Home Inspections: Asbestos
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ASBESTOS
Asbestos is name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers, that can be separated into thin durable threads. The unique property of these fibers is that they are resistant to heat, fire, chemicals and do not conduct electricity.
Asbestos has been used in many industries, i.e., building/construction for concrete, insulation, roofing, fireproofing and sound absorption. Ship builders used asbestos to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes. Auto industry used asbestos in brake shoes and clutch pads. It has also been used in ceiling and floor tiles, paints, coatings adhesives and plastics. Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some points in their lives. Low levels of asbestos are present in air, water and soil. Most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill are those exposed to asbestos on regular basis most often from job they work directly with material or through substantial environmental contact. If products containing asbestos are disturbed tiny asbestos fibers are released into air. When these fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in lungs and remain for long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems.
Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. department of Health and Human services, the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen. Although rare, mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure.
The U.S. Environmental Agency, (EPA) regulates the general public’s exposure to asbestos in buildings, drinking water, and the environment. The EPA Web Site includes a list of EPA regional and state contacts at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pub/regioncontact.html on the internet. In addition, EPA’s Asbestos and Vermiculite home page provides information about asbestos and it’s health effects and links to asbestos resources, including suggestions for homeowners who suspect asbestos in their home and laws and regulations applicable to asbestos. This page can be found at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos on the internet.
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