Homes and Workplaces
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and can cause chronic lung disease as well as lung and other cancers.
How can I be at risk when I am at home?
According to the EPA, “asbestos is only harmful when it is disturbed or damaged. You may want to have your home inspected for asbestos-containing materials by a trained and accredited asbestos professional if the following:
You are planning to remodel your home (remodeling can disturb building materials)
Your home has damaged building materials (like crumbling drywall and insulation that is falling apart)”
Requirements will vary by jurisdiction. Check with state and local environmental, safety and permitting agencies for specific requirements in your area.
Where can it be found in homes and the workplace?
According to the EPA, the manufacture, importation, processing and distribution in commerce of these products, as well as some others not listed, are not banned. The list below does not include every product that may contain asbestos, but these are the most common. If broken or crushed, all asbestos materials will release fibers to the air.
Attic and wall insulation produced containing vermiculite
Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives
Roofing and siding shingles
Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings
Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets
Hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape
Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets with asbestos insulation
Heat-resistant fabrics
Automobile clutches and brakes
What to do if asbestos is found in your home or workplace?
The EPA states, “If you think there may be asbestos in your home, don’t panic.” The same guidance applies in workplaces.
Asbestos-containing materials that are not damaged or disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk. Often, the best course of action is to leave them alone if they are in good condition.
Asbestos-containing materials may release fibers when they are disturbed, damaged, removed improperly, or handled through activities like cutting, sanding, drilling, or scraping. Monitor materials over time for signs of wear or damage.
If you suspect a material contains asbestos, do not touch it. Look for signs such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Limit access to the area and avoid disturbing the material.
For slightly damaged materials, limiting access and avoiding disturbance may be sufficient. For more significant damage, or if renovation or maintenance will disturb the material, repair or removal by a trained and accredited asbestos professional is required. In workplaces, these actions must also comply with occupational safety regulations and employer responsibilities.
Asbestos Do’s and Don’ts for Homeowners and Workers
Do leave undamaged asbestos-containing materials alone
Do limit activities in areas with damaged materials and restrict access
Do take precautions to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials
Do have removal and repairs performed by trained and qualified professionals
Don’t dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos
Don’t saw, sand, scrape, or drill asbestos-containing materials
Don’t use abrasive tools on flooring that may contain asbestos
Don’t attempt to remove or repair asbestos without proper training
Don’t track potentially contaminated material through living or working spaces
If You Have an Asbestos Problem
The EPA explains that if asbestos-containing material is damaged or likely to be disturbed, two main actions are available through trained and accredited asbestos professionals: repair or removal.
Repair may involve sealing (encapsulation), which binds fibers together or coats the material, or covering (enclosure), which prevents fiber release. These methods leave the asbestos in place but reduce risk.
Removal may be necessary during renovations or when materials are severely damaged. This process is complex and must only be performed by qualified professionals. Improper removal can increase exposure risks in both homes and workplaces.
Building owners, Property managers, & Maintenance staff
As a property manager, you should be aware if the house you are responsible for contains asbestos so that you can take the right precautions to protect yourself and your tenants/ potential buyers. It is highly recommended that all property managers or homeowners get an asbestos survey of their property to identify if asbestos is present and if it needs to be managed or removed. Read more about getting an asbestos inspection and what to expect from the process. If you hire any tradespeople to carry out work on the property, you should always provide them with a copy of the asbestos survey report before the work begins. If you know the property contains asbestos and you want to get it removed professionally, you should hire a licensed asbestos professional.
Zonolite Attic Insulation (ZAI) Trust
The ZAI Trust was created for the benefit of homeowners with the Zonolite brand of vermiculite attic insulation; a brand which unfortunately contained a small amount of hazardous asbestos. This trust fund is used to reimburse homeowners with a portion of their cost to remove or contain Zonolite attic insulation.
For eligibility requirements and more information: Read More