asbestos

What is it?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It has been mined and used as far back as ancient Rome and Greece. It was valued for its strength and fire resistant qualities. In fact, the word asbestos in Greek means "indestructible".  Asbestos production hit its peak in the early 20th century when companies like Johns-Manville began using it in a multitude of products. As recently as the 1990's asbestos was found in:

• "Popcorn" Ceiling

• Floor Tile

• Drywall/Plaster

• Pipe Insulation

• Brake Pads

• Oven Mitts

• Construction Adhesives

• Fireman Blankets

• Ceiling Tiles

• Cigarette Filters

• Wallpaper

• Sheet Flooring

• Roofing Materials

• Exterior Siding

This is just a small sampling of the products that contained asbestos. A more comprehensive list can be found here. The health effects of asbestos became well known to the public by the mid 1970's and the federal government outlawed its use by 1980. There is evidence that many companies that used it in their products not only knew of the dangers but actively suppressed the information from their employees and the public for a half century.

If a building was built before 1980 there is a good chance that it was built with some asbestos containing materials. The only way to know for sure if a material contains asbestos or not is to have it tested by a qualified inspector. In the event that asbestos is found in your home there is no need to panic. If it is in good condition, meaning it's not cracked or flaking, then it is essentially harmless. When a material with asbestos in it begins to crack or crumble, that's when it becomes a problem. As the material degrades, the asbestos fibers contained within will become airborne and can then be inhaled. Since they are so small, a single asbestos fiber can remain airborne for up to 30 days. Therefore it is important that any removal be done by a certified professional, as a sloppy job could leave thousands (or more) fibers in your breathing space for up to a month.