Asbestos and Indoor Air Quality

Asbestos is among the most publicized indoor air pollutants. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen. Once widely used in structural fireproofing, asbestos may be found predominantly in heating systems and acoustic insulation, in floor and ceiling tiles, and in shingles in many older houses. When asbestos-containing material is damaged or disintegrates with age, microscopic fibers may be dispersed into the air. Over as long as twenty, thirty, or more years, the presence of these fibers within the lungs may result in asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma.  Tobacco smoking in combination with asbestos exposure may increase your chances of developing these diseases.

Products and materials containing asbestos are not necessarily labeled. For a list of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suspect asbestos containing materials visit their web page.

The risk of disease depends on exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Unless asbestos is disturbed the average levels in buildings are low, and the risk to building occupants is therefore low.

Removal of asbestos is not always the best choice to reduce exposure. The EPA requires asbestos removal only in order to prevent significant public exposure and generally recommends an in-place management program when asbestos has been discovered and is in good condition.

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