4 Facts About Asbestos You Should Know

September 10, 2024

Knowing certain facts about asbestos will go a long way in shielding you from the health risks these building materials pose.

Though asbestos is not as popular as it was in the 1970s, it can still be present in many houses and specific buildings. As such, homeowners need to know the threat exposure that asbestos carries.

Read on to learn four essential facts about asbestos.

1. The Use and Importation of Asbestos Is Still Legal

Despite its health hazards, the use of asbestos is still legal. In fact, it remains a popular export commodity for countries like Italy, Canada, Greece, India, and China.

Since the material’s low costs make it highly affordable, contractors continue to use it on construction sites in developing countries.

2. Several Products Still Contain Asbestos

While current asbestos regulations have limited the use of the material, several American products still legally contain it. Furthermore, since most asbestos products are construction materials, asbestos can still find its way into new homes and commercial properties.

Below we list some of the modern products that include asbestos:

Ceiling tiles
Fire blankets
Roofing shingles
Electrical wiring insulation
Vinyl sheet flooring

3. The Health Risks That Lie in Asbestos Fibers

The dangers of asbestos arise from its microscopic fibers, which can become airborne and are hazardous when inhaled. There are two types of asbestos materials:

Non-friable materials include roofing shingles and flooring tiles that usually don’t emit airborne fibers. On the other hand, friable materials include those asbestos-containing substances that you can easily crumble or pulverize using your hand.

Asbestos only becomes hazardous when fibers from friable materials become airborne and enter your lungs. This means the danger of asbestos comes from sanding, drilling, or cutting materials that contain asbestos.

4. It Takes Years Before Noticing Symptoms of Any Asbestos-Related Disease

One of the vital facts about asbestos you should know is that it could take decades before you start noticing any symptoms of common asbestos-related diseases.

Its fibers stay in your body and could take up to 50 years to develop any adverse effects. In addition, nothing can remove the fibers once they enter your body. This fact makes it crucial to use protection and limit your exposure to asbestos.