Asbestos in Homes

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Asbestos

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What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber. It can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several
types of asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide
heat insulation and fire resistance.
How Can Asbestos Affect My Health?
From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels
of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of:

lung cancer:
mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity
asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.

The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increases with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of lung cancer from
inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke. People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high
levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years
after the first exposure to asbestos.
Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health
problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs.
The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease. Asbestos material that would crumble easily
if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard.

Where Can I Find Asbestos And When Can It Be A Problem?
Most products made today do not contain asbestos. Those few products made which still contain asbestos that could
be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and
insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. Common products that might have contained asbestos in the
past, and conditions which may release fibers, include:
• Steam pipes, boilers and furnace ducts insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. These materials
may release asbestos fibers if damaged, repaired, or removed improperly.
• Resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and adhesives used for
installing floor tile. Sanding tiles can release fibers. So may scraping or sanding the backing of sheet flooring during
removal.
• Cement sheet, millboard, and paper used as insulation around furnaces and woodburning stoves. Repairing or
removing appliances may release asbestos fibers. So may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation.
• Door gaskets in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves. Worn seals can release asbestos fibers during use.
• Soundproofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings. Loose, crumbly, or water-damaged material may
release fibers. So will sanding, drilling, or scraping the material.
• Patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings, and textured paints. Sanding, scraping, or drilling these
surfaces may release asbestos.
• Asbestos cement roofing, shingles, and siding. These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless
sawed, dilled, or cut.
• Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces. Also, other older household products such as
fireproof gloves, stove-top pads, ironing board covers, and certain hairdryers.
• Automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facing, and gaskets.

Where Asbestos Hazards May Be Found In The Home
• Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement.
• Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
• Asbestos may be present in textured paint, ceiling popcorn acoustic and in patching compounds used on wall and
ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
• Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
• Older products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.
• Walls and floors around woodburning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.
• Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
• Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos
blanket or tape.
• Water pipe insulation.
• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

Asbestos siding                                                                          Asbestos floor tiles

Asbestos flue pipe                                                                     Asbestos pipe insulation

Asbestos roofing tiles                                                                       Asbestos ceiling popcorn

What Should Be Done About Asbestos In The Home?
If you think asbestos may be in your home, don't panic, usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in
good condition alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. There is no danger unless
fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs. Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don't
touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damaged material may
release asbestos fibers. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing, or handling it, or if it is
exposed to extreme vibration or air flow. Sometimes, the best way to deal with slightly damaged material is to limit
access to the area and not touch or disturb it. Discard damaged or worn asbestos gloves, stove-top pads, or ironing
board covers. Check with local health, environmental, or other appropriate officials to find out proper handling and
disposal procedures. If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your
home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find
out whether asbestos materials are present.

How To Identify Materials That Contain Asbestos
You can't tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the
material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should
take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health
risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone.
Taking samples yourself is not recommended. If you nevertheless choose to take the samples yourself, take care not
to release asbestos fibers into the air or onto yourself. Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by
remodeling, for example) should be left alone. Only material that is damaged or will be disturbed should be sampled.
Anyone who samples asbestos-containing materials should have as much information as possible on the handling of
asbestos before sampling, and at a minimum, should observe the following procedures:
• Make sure no one else is in the room when sampling is done.
• Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling.
• Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
• Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
• Place a plastic sheet on the floor below the area to be sampled.
• Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The
water/detergent mist will reduce the release of asbestos fibers.
• Carefully cut a piece from the entire depth of the material using, for example, a small knife, corer, or other sharp
object. Place the small piece into a clean container (for example, a 35 mm film canister, small glass or plastic vial, or
high quality resealable plastic bag).
•Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it.
• Carefully dispose of the plastic sheet. Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the
container or around the area sampled. Dispose of asbestos materials according to state and local procedures.
• Label the container with an identification number and clearly state when and where the sample was taken.
• Patch the sampled area with the smallest possible piece of duct tape to prevent fiber release.
• Send the sample to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation
Program (NVLAP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Your state or local health department
may also be able to help.

How To Manage An Asbestos Problem
If the asbestos material is in good shape and will not be disturbed, do nothing! If it is a problem, there are two types of
corrections: repair and removal. Repair usually involves either sealing or covering asbestos material. Sealing
(encapsulation) involves treating the material with a sealant that either binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the
material so fibers are not released. Pipe, furnace, and boiler insulation can sometimes be repaired this way. This
should be done only by a professional trained to handle asbestos safely. Covering (enclosure) involves placing
something over or around the material that contains asbestos to prevent release of fibers. Exposed insulated piping
may be covered with a protective wrap or jacket. With any type of repair the asbestos remains in place. Repair is
usually cheaper than removal, but it may make later removal of asbestos, if necessary, more difficult and costly.
Repairs can either be major or minor. Major repairs must be done only by a professional trained in methods for safely
handling asbestos. Minor repairs should also be done by professionals since there is always a risk of exposure to
fibers when asbestos is disturbed.

Repairs
Doing minor repairs yourself is not recommended since improper handling of asbestos materials can create a hazard
where none existed. If you nevertheless choose to do minor repairs, you should have as much information as possible
on the handling of asbestos before doing anything. Contact your state or local health department or regional EPA
office for information about asbestos training programs in your area. Your local school district may also have
information about asbestos professionals and training programs for school buildings. Even if you have completed a
training program, do not try anything more than minor repairs. Before undertaking minor repairs, carefully examine the
area around the damage to make sure it is stable. As a general matter, any damaged area which is bigger than the
size of your hand is not a minor repair.
Before undertaking minor repairs, be sure to follow all the precautions described earlier for sampling asbestos
material. Always wet the asbestos material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent. Commercial
products designed to fill holes and seal damaged areas are available. Small areas of material such as pipe insulation
can be covered by wrapping a special fabric, such as rewettable glass cloth, around it. These products are available
from stores (listed in the telephone directory under Safety Equipment and Clothing") which specialize in asbestos
materials and safety items.
Removal is usually the most expensive method and, unless required by state or local regulations, should be the last
option considered in most situations. This is because removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release. However,
removal may be required when remodeling or making major changes to your home that will disturb asbestos material.
Also, removal may be called for if asbestos material is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired.
Removal is complex and must be done only by a contractor with special training. Improper removal may actually
increase the health risks to you and your family.

Asbestos Professionals: Who Are They And What Can They Do?
Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos material. The type of professional will depend on the type of
product and what needs to be done to correct the problem. You may hire a general asbestos contractor or, in some
cases, a professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos.

Asbestos professionals can conduct home inspections, take samples of suspected material, assess its condition, and
advise about what corrections are needed and who is qualified to make these corrections. Once again, material in
good condition need not be sampled unless it is likely to be disturbed. Professional correction or abatement
contractors repair or remove asbestos materials.

Some firms offer combinations of testing, assessment, and correction. A professional hired to assess the need for
corrective action should not be connected with an asbestos-correction firm. It is better to use two different firms so
there is no conflict of interest. Services vary from one area to another around the country.

The federal government has training courses for asbestos professionals around the country. Some state and local
governments also have or require training or certification courses. Ask asbestos professionals to document their
completion of federal or state-approved training. Each person performing work in your home should provide proof of
training and licensing in asbestos work, such as completion of EPA-approved training. State and local health
departments or EPA regional offices may have listings of licensed professionals in your area.
If you have a problem that requires the services of asbestos professionals, check their credentials carefully. Hire
professionals who are trained, experienced, reputable, and accredited - especially if accreditation is required by state
or local laws. Before hiring a professional, ask for references from previous clients. Find out if they were satisfied. Ask
whether the professional has handled similar situations. Get cost estimates from several professionals, as the charges
for these services can vary.
Though private homes are usually not covered by the asbestos regulations that apply to schools and public buildings,
professionals should still use procedures described during federal or state-approved training. Homeowners should be
alert to the chance of misleading claims by asbestos consultants and contractors. There have been reports of firms
incorrectly claiming that asbestos materials in homes must be replaced. In other cases, firms have encouraged
unnecessary removals or performed them improperly. Unnecessary removals are a waste of money. Improper
removals may actually increase the health risks to you and your family. To guard against this, know what services are
available and what procedures and precautions are needed to do the job properly.
In addition to general asbestos contractors, you may select a roofing, flooring, or plumbing contractor trained to
handle asbestos when it is necessary to remove and replace roofing, flooring, siding, or asbestos-cement pipe that is
part of a water system. Normally, roofing and flooring contractors are exempt from state and local licensing
requirements because they do not perform any other asbestos-correction work. Call 1-800-USA-ROOF for names of
qualified roofing contractors in your area. (Illinois residents call 708-318-6722.) For information on asbestos in floors,
read "Recommended Work Procedures for Resilient Floor Covers." You can write for a copy from the Resilient Floor
Covering Institute, 966 Hungerford Drive, Suite 12-B, Rockville, MD 20850. Enclose a stamped, business-size, self-
addressed envelope.
Asbestos-containing automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings, and gaskets should be repaired and replaced
only by a professional using special protective equipment. Many of these products are now available without asbestos.
For more information, read "Guidance for Preventing Asbestos Disease Among Auto Mechanics," available from
regional EPA offices.

If You Hire A Professional Asbestos Inspector
• Make sure that the inspection will include a complete visual examination and the careful collection and lab analysis of
samples. If asbestos is present, the inspector should provide a written evaluation describing its location and extent of
damage, and give recommendations for correction or prevention.
• Make sure an inspecting firm makes frequent site visits if it is hired to assure that a contractor follows proper
procedures and requirements. The inspector may recommend and perform checks after the correction to assure the
area has been properly cleaned.
If You Hire A Corrective-Action Contractor
• Check with your local air pollution control board, the local agency responsible for worker safety, and the Better
Business Bureau. Ask if the firm has had any safety violations. Find out if there are legal actions filed against it.
• Insist that the contractor use the proper equipment to do the job. The workers must wear approved respirators,
gloves, and other protective clothing.
• Before work begins, get a written contract specifying the work plan, cleanup, and the applicable federal, state, and
local regulations which the contractor must follow (such as notification requirements and asbestos disposal
procedures). Contact your state and local health departments, EPA's regional office, and the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration's regional office to find out what the regulations are. Be sure the contractor follows local
asbestos removal and disposal laws. At the end of the job, get written assurance from the contractor that all
procedures have been followed.
• Assure that the contractor avoids spreading or tracking asbestos dust into other areas of your home. They should
seal the work area from the rest of the house using plastic sheeting and duct tape, and also turn off the heating and
air conditioning system. For some repairs, such as pipe insulation removal, plastic glove bags may be adequate. They
must be sealed with tape and properly disposed of when the job is complete.
• Make sure the work site is clearly marked as a hazard area. Do not allow household members and pets into the area
until work is completed.
• Insist that the contractor apply a wetting agent to the asbestos material with a hand sprayer that creates a fine mist
before removal. Wet fibers do not float in the air as easily as dry fibers and will be easier to clean up.
• Make sure the contractor does not break removed material into small pieces. This could release asbestos fibers into
the air. Pipe insulation was usually installed in preformed blocks and should be removed in complete pieces.
• Upon completion, assure that the contractor cleans the area well with wet mops, wet rags, sponges, or HEPA (high
efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners. A regular vacuum cleaner must never be used. Wetting helps reduce the
chance of spreading asbestos fibers in the air. All asbestos materials and disposable equipment and clothing used in
the job must be placed in sealed, leakproof, and labeled plastic bags. The work site should be visually free of dust and
debris. Air monitoring (to make sure there is no increase of asbestos fibers in the air) may be necessary to assure that
the contractor's job is done properly. This should be done by someone not connected with the contractor.

Caution!
Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. These steps will disturb tiny asbestos fibers and
may release them into the air. Remove dust by wet mopping or with a special HEPA vacuum cleaner used by trained
asbestos contractors.

The Asbestos and Mesothelioma Center