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ASBESTOS
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in many building materials as an acoustic insulator, a fire resistant material, a binder, and a thermal insulator. It can be found in pipe and duct insulation on heating systems, in sealers and adhesives, in roofing products, siding, stucco, plaster, drywall compound, paneling, ceiling tiles, floor tiles and sheet goods, wall and attic insulation, Transite pipe, and other products.
Why is asbestos a concern?
The very small asbestos fibers can cause cancer and other types of lung disease if inhaled. The fibers are so small and light that if released into the air, they may float for several days. Furnace filters or conventional vacuum cleaners do not collect them.
How do I tell if there is asbestos in my home?
Asbestos is considered dangerous only when “friable”. This means that the material containing the asbestos is broken, has ragged edges, or is otherwise in a state where the fibers may be released into the air. In most building products, asbestos isn’t normally friable. However, demolition or renovation work can disturb asbestos containing materials, causing the asbestos fibers to be released into the air.
Asbestos can only be identified by laboratory analysis. Therefore its identification is beyond the scope of a home inspection. The majority of homes contain some asbestos. This is not a problem unless it is friable. There are firms in most cities that specialize in identification of asbestos and taking corrective action when necessary.
What can be done about asbestos?
In the most cases, doing nothing is the best approach. Where there is a risk of fibers being released into the air, the asbestos containing material can be isolated from the rest of the house through enclosure or encapsulation. Alternatively, the material can be removed. Removal is the most expensive, since care must be taken not to release fibers, and because disposal of asbestos containing materials is controlled in many states.
Removal is not a Do-It-Yourself job!
The homeowner should not undertake corrective actions related to asbestos. Find a qualified specialist to do any work involving asbestos containing materials. Guidance is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
