The next time you drive through the neighborhood, quickly peek at the houses lining the streets. Chances are, any of the homes have a secret danger tucked away inside the residence—asbestos. Let’s look into asbestos exposure and the health risks associated with it.
Understanding the Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
The Risks Associated with Asbestos in Your Home
A home built before the 1990s likely has asbestos hidden in the structure. Asbestos products can include roofing systems, insulation, and pipe insulation. Asbestos was a prime building material at the time.
Over time, the material deteriorates with age and breaks off small amounts of the asbestos into the air. Renovations pose the highest threat. Drywall drilling, sanding of existing flooring, or insulation removal causes fibers to be released into the air.
Unlike dust or smoke, these fibers don’t dissipate; they float. They settle into the air, and you breathe asbestos into your lungs.
Asbestos Exposure: Long-Term Health Risks
The real danger? The effect of exposure on your health isn’t immediate. You could be in contact today and feel no effect 20, 30, or 40 years after exposure. The diseases associated with asbestos are typically severe and are hard to treat.
Mesothelioma – Asbestos-Related Cancer
This aggressive disease develops in the protective cover of the:
- Lungs
- Heart
- Stomach
The bulk of cases are the result of asbestos exposure. Only when the disease is well established do the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma manifest.
Asbestos Lung Disease
Chronic respiratory conditions caused by inhaling asbestos fibers are known as asbestos lung disease.
Asbestosis is the scarring of the lung tissue. This is a result of repeated exposure to asbestos. Excessive inflammation compromises the patient’s ability to breathe.
Exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer. That risk is higher when the patient is also a smoker.
Daily coughing and trouble catching one’s breath become commonplace. There is currently no cure for asbestos lung disease. However, oxygen therapy can improve the quality of one’s life.
Homeowners Risk Factors
Thinking that asbestos is a problem that occurs only in industrial buildings is a mistake. Older homes are more likely to have asbestos-containing materials in garages and basements. Remodeling work can unwittingly cause you some level of exposure to dangerous asbestos minerals.
High-Risk Materials Commonly Found in Residential Homes
Popcorn ceilings – That textured finish that was so popular decades ago? Many contain asbestos. Scraping them off without professional help is risky.
Old vinyl flooring—Older linoleum or vinyl tiles feature asbestos backing. This type of asbestos releases fibers into the air when removed from the floor.
Insulation—Attic and pipe insulation in older homes often contains asbestos. This is especially true if it’s loose-fill or wrapped around pipes.
Cement siding and shingles – Cement siding composed of asbestos isn’t hazardous unless cut, broken, or sandblasted.
Handling Asbestos – The Do’s and Don’ts to Protect Your Health
Many homeowners are misguided into trying to do this removal work independently. That’s the wrong choice. It’s not about just getting it out of your home—it’s a matter of not letting the fibers spread.
What Not to Do
- Don’t tear up your flooring without finding out what lies underneath it.
- Don’t sand popcorn ceilings unless you know they’re asbestos-free.
- Don’t cut into insulation or existing drywall without testing it beforehand.
What to Do
- Get a professional asbestos inspection before starting any renovations.
- Use air quality testing to monitor for the presence of airborne fibers.
Consider encapsulation, a treatment that wraps asbestos-containing material so that it won’t release fibers. If you must have the asbestos removed, hire certified professionals to do the work.
Why Early Detection Matters
If you’ve worked in an environment with asbestos exposure, regular medical screening can diagnose problems early.
- Chest X-rays and CT scans – Both tests can detect lung scarring and signs of asbestos-related disease.
- Pulmonary function tests measure lung capacity and airflow to identify respiratory decline.
Avoiding additional irritants to the lungs. Cigarette smoking and industrial fumes can delay disease advancement in affected individuals.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos is a persistent problem in older homes, but it should not be a threat if treated correctly. If you’re remodeling your home, have the material inspected first to avoid risks to you or your family members.
Living in a house with asbestos? Avoid disturbing it. If you’re unsure, call the experts.
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