Asbestos in Homes: Exposure Risks & Safety

Asbestos is a type of material that contains many long microscopic fibers and was commonly used within building materials up until the 1980s. There are now regulation standards preventing the use of asbestos in most materials, but asbestos-containing materials still remain in older homes. Disturbance of asbestos-containing materials can result in the release of asbestos fibers into the air, being inhaled in by those around it. The exposure to asbestos within the home can lead to serious health conditions later in life, such as mesothelioma.

Where is Asbestos Found in Homes?

Asbestos can be found in many home materials, particularly within homes built between the 1930s and 1950s. It’s important that homeowners understand what type of products and materials within their home may contain asbestos, putting them at risk for exposure. Some of the most common asbestos-containing products within the home include (but are not limited to):

• Caulking
• Ceiling & floor tiles
• Insulation
• Roofing shingles
• Sliding shingles
• Textured paints
• Fireproofing materials
• Pipe insulation
• Wallboards
• Joint compounds

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Danger of Asbestos in Homes

When home materials containing asbestos, such as home insulation, are disturbed, small fibers are released into the air putting anyone near the material at risk. You can be exposed to asbestos within your home during construction, home renovations, and sometimes even home repairs. Home projects that involve interacting with old home materials can pose a danger if removed or handled incorrectly.

Because asbestos fibers are too small for the human eye to see, most people exposed to the material aren’t aware until they begin to develop symptoms of asbestos-related health issues years later. Those exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis, and most commonly mesothelioma.

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Asbestos Safety

If you believe that there may be asbestos-containing materials within your home, it’s important to not try to handle the issue on your own. Small projects within the home can result in the release of asbestos fibers into the air if materials are removed improperly, cut, or disturbed. Without being disturbed, asbestos-containing materials should not pose a threat unless they are old and in bad condition. Make sure to keep an eye out for materials within the home that may look damaged or worn. If you believe that asbestos-containing materials within your home have been damaged, then for safety reasons, avoid the area as much as possible and contact an asbestos professional for inspection and potential removal.

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Common Residential Asbestos Exposure Situations

It’s important to be aware of what factors can expose you to asbestos fibers if your home contains asbestos-containing materials. There are a few common situations that can put people at risk of asbestos exposure in their homes. Some of these situations include (but are not limited to):

• Remodeling your home – The incorrect removal, cutting, scraping, and disturbance of asbestos-related materials can release fibers into the air. Consider hiring an asbestos professional for inspection before remodeling if you believe your home may contain asbestos.
• Removal of or damaged drywall – If there are damaged materials within your home and the materials contain asbestos, it is possible that the asbestos was disturbed. Avoid the area and seek professional assistance.
• Damaged and exposed wiring – Older electrical wiring insulation and electrical panels were made with asbestos. Do not attempt to cut or repair old wiring within your home without consulting a professional beforehand.

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Signs of Asbestos in the Home

It is not recommended to base signs of asbestos on the appearance of the material only. If you are suspicious of materials in your home containing asbestos, assume it does until analyzed and tested by a professional. Some materials may be labeled by the manufacturer, stating that it does not contain asbestos. If you do not see this label or are unsure, treat the material as if it contains asbestos and seek professional help.

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How to get Tested For Asbestos Exposure

A person’s symptoms of asbestos exposure varies depending on amount of exposure, length of exposure, and other external and health factors. Generally, it takes years, sometimes up to 40, for signs of asbestos exposure to appear. If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos tell your doctor so that they can watch for specific signs and symptoms. Your doctor will be able to diagnose you with any disease or other health issues you may be experiencing based on a full examination and additional tests.

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What to Do If You Find Asbestos Contamination in Your Home

If you believe there is asbestos contamination within your home, do not try to address the issue yourself. Leave the material alone and avoid the area. There are trained asbestos professionals who are able to handle asbestos material. These professionals can identify what type of asbestos it is and can repair and remove the material if needed. Asbestos professionals are also able to do full home inspections and test materials.

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What to Do If You Find Asbestos Contamination in Your Home

If you believe there is asbestos contamination within your home, do not try to address the issue yourself. Leave the material alone and avoid the area. There are trained asbestos professionals who are able to handle asbestos material. These professionals can identify what type of asbestos it is and can repair and remove the material if needed. Asbestos professionals are also able to do full home inspections and test materials.

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Compensation for Asbestos Exposure

There are regulations set in place in order to help protect the public from asbestos exposure. Government agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have worked to ban the use of asbestos in many manufactured materials. However, asbestos is still used in certain materials within the U.S. today. Although the use of asbestos-containing materials has declined significantly since the 1970s, it still presents a risk for people through older materials. This risk has resulted in a growing number of filed asbestos lawsuits throughout the years.

If you believe that you were exposed to asbestos within your home and developed mesothelioma, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products are held responsible for exposing victims to asbestos and must compensate those exposed. The purpose of these mesothelioma trusts is to provide financial compensation to patients and families who have suffered the most from exposure.