This article was co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD
and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA
. Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law.
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This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Asbestos is a type of fibrous mineral that in the past was used to manufacture things like insulation, building materials and more. Nowadays its usage has waned, but it’s still present in many buildings and products. [1] X Trustworthy Source US Occupational Safety and Health Administration U.S. government agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards Go to source The best way to soothe fears of asbestos is to learn about it, and so we talked to Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney Gregory Cade to bring you plenty of assuring facts, show you what you can do about asbestos in your home or workplace, and fill you in on where it’s usually located and the risks it poses.
Things You Should Know
- Asbestos is fairly uncommon in buildings constructed after 1970, so there’s little cause for concern in newer homes and workplaces.
- Asbestos is only dangerous when materials made with it become damaged or degrade. A single exposure to asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm.
- Professionals can easily identify asbestos and safely and efficiently remove it—it’s not a permanent problem.
Steps
Assuring Facts About Asbestos
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1Asbestos is fairly uncommon in modern materials. The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned asbestos in wall patching and gas fireplaces (2 of the most common sources of asbestos) in the 1970s, and the EPA banned all new uses in 1989. Though it’s still legal to manufacture and distribute, use of asbestos has dramatically fallen since the ‘70s as we became more aware of its risks. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source
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2Asbestos is only dangerous when it becomes exposed. Cases of asbestos harming someone’s health mostly occur when someone works with or handles the material directly, as when working construction without proper safety equipment. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source Most often, so long as the source of asbestos is undamaged, there’s little actual risk. [4] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- Asbestos is most likely to become exposed when doing building repair or renovation.
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3One-off exposure is rarely cause for concern. Asbestos-related health concerns are most common in those who experience repeated exposure, like construction workers or manufacturers. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source If you're exposed to high levels of asbestos only once, you’re likely unaffected.
- That said, there are rare cases of adverse effects as a result of limited exposure. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source If you suspect your health is at risk, consult your primary care physician.
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4Ambient asbestos in the air is often not harmful. Asbestos is naturally occurring, and there’s often a small amount in the air. That may sound alarming, but the truth is that the majority of people won’t ever notice. Ambient asbestos is low in quantity, and those who have been harmed by ambient asbestos typically have other regular exposure to it in their work, such as manufacturing or installing materials made with it. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source
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5Asbestos can be identified and safely removed by experts. The great news is that asbestos doesn’t have to be a permanent problem or worry. Trained professionals are able to test for the substance and quickly and safely remove it from your home or workplace in just a couple of appointments. [8] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
What Can You Do About Asbestos?
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1If the material isn’t damaged, leave it be. Exposure to asbestos typically only occurs if the asbestos-containing product is damaged, which releases asbestos particles into the air. [9] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source If you suspect something is made with asbestos but it’s in good condition, leave it be.
- Wear a respirator and perform a visual inspection of the product to check for tears or damage.
- If you’d rather dispose of the product, contact your local EPA office or hire a professional to remove it. Any amount of asbestos requires professional handling for proper safety and containment. [10] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- In the meantime, limit traffic or activity in the area to avoid disturbing the asbestos-containing material.
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2Get your home or workplace inspected for asbestos. Asbestos isn’t identifiable by sight alone, and requires lab testing to verify. If you suspect your home or workplace may have exposed asbestos, hire a professional to inspect and test for it , or report a violation to the EPA .
- At-home testing kits are available, but Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney Gregory Cade warns against them due to the hazards of exposure.
- Hiring a professional is especially necessary before you begin remodeling your home or workplace.
- Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney Gregory Cade says, “Some materials containing asbestos are marked, which allows for easy online verification of the label details.” Many products containing asbestos can be recognized by a warning label.
- Professionals often either remove the asbestos, or repair it by sealing it so that fibers don’t escape, or covering it with safety material that quarantines the asbestos.
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3Practice mindfulness or repeat affirmations to calm your fears. Asbestos is a concern, but it should never cause panic or undue stress. [11] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source If you find yourself overly distracted by the possibility of asbestos exposure, stop those negative thoughts by:
- Reminding yourself that asbestos exposure is uncommon.
- Asking yourself if there’s known exposure in your area—if not, there’s likely nothing to worry about.
- Remind yourself that if you are exposed, there are measures you can take, like contacting a professional inspection and removal service.
- Do breathing exercises to calm your nerves. Breathe in for 10 seconds, then out for 10 seconds, until you feel yourself relax.
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4Clean your home with a wet rag and avoid tracking dirt or dust. Asbestos is often airborne, and it’s best to avoid disturbing it. If you’re cleaning in a place with asbestos present, use dampened cleaning tools like mops or sponges to clean dust, and dispose of them in sealed plastic bags. [12] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- Asbestos can also sometimes be found outside on unpaved trails or roads. Hose down your shoes and wash your clothing as soon as possible before entering your home if you spend time in these areas.
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5Wear proper safety gear whenever you work with asbestos. It’s strongly recommended that you leave removal to professionals. That said, if you find yourself working with asbestos for any reason, Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney Gregory Cade says, “the safest way to carry out the pre-testing process is to wear protective gear, disposable gloves , and, most importantly, an approved respirator .”
- Also wear safety goggles , rubber boots with disposable covers, and disposable coveralls .
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6Report asbestos safety violations to OSHA. If you suspect that there’s exposed asbestos in your home or workplace, file an OSHA complaint on their website, or report it to the EPA. These agencies are equipped to take the proper measures to test for, remove, and prevent further asbestos exposure. [13] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- Or, consult the environmental safety or worker’s protection agency relevant to your region.
Where Can You Find Asbestos?
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1Asbestos may be found in insulation, tiling, and roofing. Most commonly asbestos is found in attic or wall insulation that contains vermiculite. It may also be present in vinyl, asphalt, or rubber floor tiles or tile adhesives, as well as shingles on the roof of homes. [14] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- Asbestos is also sometimes found in textured wall paints, like popcorn ceilings, or spray-on decorative or soundproofing materials.
- Remember that asbestos is most commonly present in homes built before 1970. Newer homes tend to contain much less of the substance, if any.
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2Asbestos may insulate heating elements like stoves. In older homes, the areas immediately around heating appliances like stoves, ovens, or furnaces often contain heat-resistant asbestos. This is also true of areas with steam pipes that appear to be coated with insulation. [15] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
- Oil or coal furnaces themselves may contain asbestos in their door gaskets. This is also true of artificial ashes in gas fire places.
- Asbestos has also been used for its heat-resistance in many heat-proof fabrics, such as aprons, stove-top pads, or fireproof gloves.
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3Asbestos is also found in some auto parts. Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney Gregory Cade says, “Asbestos has also been detected in automotive parts, such as brake pads, gaskets, clutches, [and] valves.” When doing auto maintenance, it’s always important to wear proper safety gear and know the risks.
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4Asbestos may be near unpaved surfaces or construction sites. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, and so it may be in the air near unpaved roads or paths, or construction zones like building or demolition sites, or quarries or mines. [16] X Research source
- If you live in or are visiting an area with known asbestos, wet the ground with water before playing near it, drive slowly on dirt roads to avoid kicking up dust, or stick to paved surfaces as you travel.
Risks of Asbestos Exposure
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1Exposure to asbestos may irritate or inflame the respiratory system. Asbestos particles in high concentration may get trapped in the airways or lungs and lead to inflammation or scarring. It may also lead to some respiratory disorders like fluid buildup in lung tissue or asbestosis—a chronic lung condition that causes shortness of breath or coughing. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source
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2Asbestos exposure sometimes leads to mesothelioma. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing substance, and in some cases may cause mesothelioma, which is a rare cancer of the chest or abdomen. In fact, asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. [18] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source
- That said, even among cancers, which are already fairly rare, mesothelioma is a rare diagnosis. [19] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure
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Watch for respiratory symptoms like a persistent cough. Asbestos exposure mostly affects the respiratory system. If you suspect that you’ve experienced exposure, watch for the following symptoms, and consult a doctor for treatment: [20] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Persistent or worsening cough
- Tightness or pain in the chest
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughed-up fluid that contains blood
- Swelling in the face or neck
- Abnormal weight loss or loss of appetite
- Extended fatigue.
Expert Q&A
Tips
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about protecting yourself from asbestos, check out our in-depth interview with Gregory Cade, JD .
References
- ↑ https://www.osha.gov/asbestos
- ↑ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet
- ↑ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos
- ↑ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet#what-are-the-health-hazards-of-exposure-to-asbestos
- ↑ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet#what-are-the-health-hazards-of-exposure-to-asbestos
- ↑ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos#professionals
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos#professionals
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos#doanddont
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos#doanddont
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos
- ↑ https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/naturally-occuring-asbestos-rulemaking
- ↑ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet#what-are-the-health-hazards-of-exposure-to-asbestos
- ↑ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet#what-are-the-health-hazards-of-exposure-to-asbestos
- ↑ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/malignant-mesothelioma/about/key-statistics.html
- ↑ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet#what-are-the-health-hazards-of-exposure-to-asbestos
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.