Asbestos in Homes: What To Know

It’s scary to imagine that your home or workplace could be making you sick. But that’s been a very real concern for many over the past several decades, thanks to the widespread use of asbestos in construction projects around the world.

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Pulmonologist Humberto Choi, MD, explains what asbestos is, why it’s dangerous and how to prevent exposure.

What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?

“Asbestos” is an umbrella term for six different naturally occurring mineral fibers that were once used in construction and manufacturing. These fibers are great for strengthening, insulating and fireproofing materials. But they’re also toxic and carcinogenic, meaning they can cause cancer. As a result, many countries have either banned or heavily regulated the use of asbestos.

“Before it was banned, asbestos could be found in ceilings, floors and paint because it was fireproof,” Dr. Choi explains. “It was sometimes even used in crayons.”

What makes asbestos so dangerous? When it’s damaged, it can be crushed into microscopically thin fibers. They’re so small that you can breathe them in without realizing it — and once they’re in there, they can build up in your respiratory tract and cause health problems, reports Dr. Choi. In some cases, those fibers even migrate to other parts of the body.

“Asbestos-related diseases can take decades to show up. And whether or not you develop a disease depends on how long you were exposed and how intense that exposure was,” he continues.

You’re more likely to encounter and inhale asbestos if you work in certain industries (like mining or firefighting) or live in an old building.

Health risks associated with exposure

Asbestos can cause a variety of medical conditions, depending on the type, length and extent of your exposure.

“Some of the milder respiratory effects include developing areas of thickened tissue on the lining of your lungs or fluid around your lungs,” Dr. Choi notes. More serious problems include:

Pulmonary fibrosis: Scarring in your lungs that makes it hard to breathe
Lung cancer: The third most common type of cancer in the U.S.
Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by asbestos exposure
Mesothelioma: A rare cancer that forms in the thin lining that surrounds your lungs
Other cancers, including laryngeal cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer

Smoking increases your risk for certain asbestos-related diseases, especially lung cancer, Dr. Choi adds.

Where is it found?

Your chances of encountering asbestos in your everyday life depend on factors like:

Where you live: Many countries, like the U.S. and Australia, have banned the use and importation of goods that contain asbestos. But not all countries have taken that step. And not all countries with bans in place do a great job enforcing them.
How old your home is: If you live in a pre-1970s house or building, there’s probably “legacy asbestos” in the floor tiles, ceilings, pipes or insulation. That’s OK, as long as it’s intact. Asbestos only becomes dangerous when it’s damaged or disturbed.
Your job: “You’re at higher risk if you work in industries like construction, shipbuilding and mining,” Dr. Choi says. “In these cases, you can also bring asbestos home on your shoes, clothing or even in your hair, which can put your family members at risk, too.”
Where you shop: Even in countries where asbestos is banned, it can still make its way into the supply chain, in part thanks to e-commerce. You may find asbestos in vintage or specialty auto parts, appliances or cosmetics, for example.

How to identify asbestos without risking exposure

Unless it’s labeled, the only safe and accurate way to identify asbestos is to have the item sampled by an accredited asbestos inspector and tested at a laboratory. There are a few reasons why:

Asbestos fibers are too small to see with the naked eye.
They’re often mixed into other materials like cement.
Taking a sample without the proper training and equipment can disturb the asbestos and raise your risk of exposure.

What to do about asbestos

Having asbestos in your home or workplace is only an emergency if it’s been damaged or disrupted in some way. So, if you suspect asbestos but the area is in good condition, it’s best to leave it alone. Just check regularly for signs of wear or damage.

But if the asbestos in your home is in bad condition, it’s important to have it addressed quickly. But don’t try to do it yourself.

“Call a trained professional who specializes in asbestos mitigation,” Dr. Choi reiterates. “They can either cover it or have it removed.”

He also points out that home renovation projects — like removing asbestos tiles from floors, for example — can release the tiny fibers into the air. It’s typically best to contact an inspector if you’re making big changes or putting your house on the market.

Again: Never handle asbestos yourself. You don’t just risk irreversible damage to your health and the health of those around you. You also risk contaminating other areas of your home.

Preventing occupational exposure

If you work in an industry that involves asbestos exposure, do the following to protect yourself and your loved ones:

While at work, use the protective equipment that your employer provides.
Never smoke, eat or drink at a worksite that contains asbestos.
Remove your work clothes and shoes before entering your home.
Shower immediately after work.
Make sure your employer follows asbestos cleaning and disposal regulations.

The other thing you can do? Get yourself checked out regularly.

“Let your provider know that you’re at higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases,” Dr. Choi advises. “They may want you to get regular chest X-rays or CT scans to monitor your lung health.”

“Although the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations for safe exposure levels, there’s really no safe level for asbestos exposure,” he adds. “So, it’s important to be cautious.”