What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that is very resistant to heat. It has been used in shipbuilding, construction, and consumer products. Asbestos is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing material), and there is no known safe level of exposure. Asbestos fibers in the air can be inhaled or swallowed, causing a variety of serious medical problems. The greater the exposure, the greater the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

What medical conditions can be caused by exposure to asbestos?
Asbestos is the sole cause of asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), and is thought to be responsible for virtually all case of malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is also responsible for some cases of lung cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer. stomach cancer, kidney cancer and gallbladder cancer.

Has the use of asbestos been banned in the United States?
No. Forty countries have banned the use of asbestos, but some uses of asbestos are still permitted in the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency tried to ban asbestos in 1989, but portions of the ban were reversed in court in 1991.

Is the current use of asbestos still a health concern in the U.S.?
Yes. In 2001, the U.S. consumed 26 million pounds of asbestos in the form of roofing products, gaskets, brakes and other products. Workers who come into contact with these products are exposed to asbestos unless proper precautions are taken.

How are American workers exposed to asbestos on the job?

• Shipbuilders and U.S. Navy personnel have been exposed to asbestos used to insulate boilers and pipes on ships. A significant number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma were U.S. Navy personnel.
• Mechanics performing repairs on brakes and clutches have been exposed to asbestos, which is used in brake pads and clutch plates.
• Roofers have been exposed to asbestos while working with asbestos shingles.
• Construction and demolition workers have been exposed to asbestos in insulation, shingles, and tiles.
• Some cement workers have been exposed to asbestos.
• According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 27 million Americans had significant asbestos exposure on the job between 1940 and 1980.
• According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “an estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job.”

Where can asbestos be found in my home?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that:

• Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement.
• Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
• Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
• Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
• Older products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.
• Walls and floors around woodburning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.
• Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
• Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

How can I identify products in my home that may contain asbestos?
You can't tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended. Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example) should be left alone. Only material that is damaged or will be disturbed should be sampled.

What Should Be Done About Asbestos In The Home?
The EPA say it is usually best to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone.

• Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers.
• Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don't touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing, or handling it, or if it is exposed to extreme vibration or air flow.
• Sometimes the best way to deal with slightly damaged material is to limit access to the area and not touch or disturb it. Discard damaged or worn asbestos gloves, stove-top pads, or ironing board covers. Check with local health, environmental, or other appropriate officials to find out proper handling and disposal procedures.
• If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find out whether asbestos materials are present.