Asbestos Products in the Home

Asbestos products are common in homes built before the 1970s.

Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals with long, thin, separable fibers. Separated asbestos fibers are so strong and flexible they can be spun and woven into a variety of materials. Asbestos fibers are resistant to heat and flames and impervious to chemical corrosion, and are therefore useful for many purposes, including in residential construction.

There are two main types of asbestos: amphibole and chrysotile. Amphibole fibers may stay in the lungs longer than chrysotile fibers, but neither is safe.

If asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious health effects, 15-40 years later. Asbestos fibers can cause asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs that leads to breathing difficulties and heart failure. Asbestosis typically occurs in workers who manufacture or use asbestos products. Asbestos fibers can also cause cancer of the lungs and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the chest or abdominal lining. It may be also associated with stomach, intestinal and rectal caner if ingested. Ingestion can occur inadvertently when asbestos-covered hands contact cigarettes or food.

Asbestos House Products and Materials

Most products made these days, do not contain asbestos. Those that do, have to be labeled. Until the 1970s, many home building products and insulation materials contained asbestos, so if parts of your home were built in the 70s or earlier, it may well contain asbestos-containing materials, that if damaged, repaired or poorly removed, may release fibers and increase your asbestos risk. These include:

Pipe and boiler insulation
Duct insulation
Building insulation
Ceiling panels
Carpet underlays
Roofing materials
Artificial fireplaces
Patching and spackling compounds
Brake linings
Pot holders
Ironing board pads
Hairdryers
Floor tiles
Electrical wires
Textured paints
Cements

This website will help you learn what to do about home asbestos products.

This site gives general information only. Always seek the advice of an asbestos professional for questions about your needs.