Asbestos Environment Concerns
Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rocks, and it is virtually indestructible fiber with excellent thermal/heat-retardant qualities. The three types of asbestos fibers that are commonly used are Amosite, Crocidolite, and Chrysotile. Because of its strength and thermal qualities, asbestos fibers are used as a binder and fire retardant in many building products, including acoustical ceiling tiles; thermal insulation of boilers and pipes; steel fireproofing; asbestos cement boards, and pipes (often referred to as Transite); cement asbestos siding and roofing; tile and sheet floor coverings; textiles such as curtains, aprons and gloves.
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| Boiler Insulation | Pipe Insulation | Pipe Insulation | Flue Pipe | Insulation Panels | Exterior Siding |
Asbestos fibers are a health threat when inhaled. The microscopic fibers can become lodged in the respitory system and lead to asbestosis or scarring of the respitory tissues. Asbestos containing materials (ACM) are considered hazardous when they are friable. Friable simply means that the material is fragile and can release asbestos fibers into the air.
For more information about the health effects of asbestos, read this article provided by the Asbestos & Mesothelioma Cancer Resource Center. Additional information can also be found at abestos.com.
Because of the health risk associated with asbestos, its use in building materials was banned in 1978. Other products that may contain asbestos are:
Automotive
Brake shoes and pads
Clutch facings
Body fillers
Mufflers
Transmissions components
Undercoating
Gaskets
Appliances
Hair dryers
Electric blankets
Popcorn Poppers
Toasters
Gaskets
Cement Asbestos
Shingles
Piping
Sheets
Electrical
Cable and wire insulation.
Motor components
Burner components
Building Materials
Acoustical tile
Wallboard
Shingles
Siding
Roofing felts and tiles
Insulation
Rock wool
Oven
Dishwasher
Heating pipe
Boilers
Furnaces
Ductwork
Textiles
Ironing board covers
Laboratory aprons
Auditorium or movie curtains
Fire hoses; protective suits and gloves
Fire Blankets
Welding hoods
Coatings, paints, sealants, etc.
Asphalt
Drilling fluids
Tile adhesives
Plaster and stucco
Caulking, patching, buffing and polishing compounds
Miscellaneous
Kilns
Blackboards
Candlesticks
Phonograph records
Fire doors
Baking sheets
Ash trays
Ammunition
Outdoor movie screens
Beverage filters
Light bulbs and sockets
Marine caulk
Thermal heat shields
Acetylene cylinders
Fume hoods
Laboratory table tops
The most common types of friable asbestos that inspectors are concerned with are sheet insulation used as a fire barrier around heating plants in older buildings, pipe insulation on older hydronic boilers, and insulation on older ductwork.
Sprayed-on ceiling asbestos - This was common in the 1960s and earlier. This material can be very hazardous. The popcorn ceilings on the west coast, mostly in California, are typically made from an asbestos-containing material. The popcorn ceilings in the Midwest and on the East coast typically do not contain asbestos.
Removal of asbestos - Asbestos should be removed and disposed of by a qualified contractor. Most states maintain lists of qualified contractors. Contact the EPA or the state department of environmental protection for an updated list of qualified testing and or mitigation contractors. It is not recommended that homeowners remove the asbestos themselves due to the associated health risk. Subsequent to any remediation, an air test should be performed to ensure that no fibers remain.
