Asbestos in the home is a reason for concern but not panic. Prior to 1978, asbestos was used in a wide variety of household and building materials such as appliances, ceilings, wall and pipe coverings, floor tiles, and some roofing materials.
Asbestos has been used for four reasons:
- to strengthen the product material,
- for thermal insulation within a product,
- for thermal or acoustical insulation or decoration on exposed surfaces, and
- for fire protection.
A health risk exists only when asbestos fibers are released from the material or product.
Soft, easily crumbled "friable" asbestos-containing materials have the greatest potential for asbestos release, and therefore the greatest potential to create health risks. But most cases, asbestos-containing materials are not "friable" and are best left alone. If you still are worried, there are testing labs that will evaluate the suspect material to determine if it presents a health risk and recommend what to do.
Many states closely regulate firms that remove asbestos, so make sure your asbestos contractor is properly licensed. The Environmental Protection Agency Toxic Substances Control Act Assistance Hotline (202) 554-1404 offers a very informative booklet entitled, Asbestos In The Home.
