Asbestos Containing Materials - 2/1/2005 - Health Asbestos Asbestosis Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Asbestos Containing Materials

Asbestos was commonly used in insulation and fireproofing material until the 1970s and is linked to cancer and other diseases when it is inhaled. The majority of data on asbestos is from shipyard workers, miners, and other occupational industries that used heavy amounts of asbestos. Since asbestos fibers have no detectable odor or taste and do not dissolve in water or evaporate, in addition to being resistant to heat, fire, chemical and biological degradation, asbestos was believed to be a very valuable material. Unfortunately, people did not realize the dangers of asbestos and its ability to attach to a person’s lungs and show up in illnesses decades later if inhaled.

Asbestos containing materials are still present in most schools, office buildings and other public buildings, but as long as it is contained it does not pose a health threat. Things like floor tiles, popcorn ceilings and drywall may be some of the asbestos containing materials that must be carefully monitored to make sure they are not disturb, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Especially when a renovation or building repair is planned, if there are any potential asbestos containing materials, samples must be taken to determine present risks so appropriate steps are taken to prevent asbestos fibers from being released.

Most people are unaware of the high number of asbestos containing materials that constantly surround them. An environmental health specialist for the Department of Health, Tom Lilekis, says that asbestos containing materials “doesn’t pose a health hazard until you disturb it and get it airborne by grinding or pulverizing the materials.” Despite the significant health risks, asbestos exposure has caused for so many years, many people are still uneducated about asbestos containing materials in their homes, workplaces and schools that present potential danger to their families and friends.

Homes built before the 1970s, when asbestos use was still widespread, will most likely have major sources of asbestos containing materials. In 1989, the EPA issued a final rule banning most asbestos containing products, but in 1991, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans overturned the regulation. Because of the Court’s decision, certain asbestos containing materials remained, though specific asbestos containing products were banned. Any “new uses” of asbestos, meaning products that did not historically contain asbestos, were not allowed. Common products that might have contained asbestos and can still release asbestos fibers might include, but is not limited to: