Asbestos Information
Asbestos is a fiberous mineral that was used in the past primarily as insulation. It was also added to some building materials to provide added strength and flame resistance. Asbestos has been shown to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma in individuals that were exposed to large free-floating asbestos fibers in the air. These conditions typically did not become apparent until around 30 years after the exposure. Because of the health hazards of asbestos fibers, its use in insulation and paint was curtailed in the 1970’s. It continued to be used in some products (such as vinyl flooring) until 1986.
What you need to know about asbestos
Homes built prior to the mid 1980’s could contain asbestos in insulation, plumbing, paint, drywall joint compound, sprayed-on ceiling texture, vinyl flooring, and other building materials. As long as the materials are in good condition, they pose little or no danger. Asbestos is only a threat if the fibers are released into the air and can be inhaled.
Renovations or demolitions of materials containing asbestos can release the fibers into the air. Most local jurisdictions now require the owner of any property containing asbestos building materials to get an asbestos inspection prior to any demolition or renovation of that property.
How do I know if my home contains asbestos?
If you suspect your home or a home you are considering buying may contain asbestos, get an inspection by a qualified professional. Asbestos can only be detected by a special microscope. I can take samples of materials that may contain asbestos to send to a lab for testing (for a fee involved), or you can do your own sampling.
How can asbestos be removed?
If your home contains asbestos, you have two options: remove the material or seal it to prevent it from releasing fibers. The help of a trained professional may be needed, though in some cases, removal can be done by the homeowner. Be sure to check local permitting and disposal requirements.
For more information about asbestos, go to:
Snohomish and King Counties: Puget Sound Clean Air Agency http://www.pscleanair.org/asbestos/
Island and Skagit Counties: Northwest Air Pollution Authority
http://www.nwair.org/
Also: the Environmental Protection Agency website:
http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/airairpoasbestos.html
