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AsbestosAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was first used
by the Greek and Romans in the first century. Since that time it has
been widely used throughout the world for its thermal insulating
properties. Most homes built after 1978, are generally assumed to be free of
asbestos. However, it is a notorious contaminant that can
be present in any home built before then. Asbestos had been used in variety forms as a thermal insulator,
including paper wraps, bats, blocks, and blankets.
However, it can also be found in a wide variety of other building
products too numerous to mention, including duct insulation and
acoustical materials, plasters, siding, floor tiles, heat vents, and
roofing.
The most common asbestos fiber that exists in residential products
is chrysotile, which belongs to the serpentine or white-asbestos
group. Since a single asbestos fiber is said to be able to cause cancer,
and is therefore a potential health threat and a litigious issue.
However, asbestos fibers are only dangerous when they are released
into the air and inhaled. For this reason the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) distinguish between asbestos that is in
good condition, or non-friable, and that which is in poor condition, or
friable, which means that its fibers could be easily crumbled and become
airborne. Although perhaps recognized as being present in some documented forms,
asbestos can only be specifically identified by laboratory analysis.
We are not specialists and regardless of the condition of any real or
suspected asbestos-containing material, we would not endorse it
and recommend having it evaluated by a specialist. If you would like more information on asbestos, please visit the
National
Cancer Institute's Fact Sheet on Asbestos Additional
Environmental Issues:
Lead |
Mold |
Radon |
Water Quality Related topics:
Common Defects |
Pest Control
Issues | 
