Old Homes and Asbestos: Preventing Toxic Exposure

Since the earliest days of the Industrial Revolution, asbestos was used in hundreds of industrial applications. Manufacturers used the product extensively in insulating materials, flame-retardant products, construction materials, automotive parts and more. In the mid-1970s, the American public became aware of the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure.

While construction workers, auto technicians and military veterans are most at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases, a new group of people are quickly joining them: America homeowners. The popularity of home renovation projects, coupled with the number of old homes in the country, is giving rise to an upsurge of asbestos-related mesothelioma cases.

Asbestos Products in Old Homes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “asbestos” is a commercial term that describes six natural minerals mined from native rocks. The thin, fibrous substance is flexible, durable and strong. It’s resistance to heat, fire, electrical and chemical degradation made it popular in home insulation, flooring tiles, roofing shingles, wallboard, siding, fencing, cement and other construction materials.

Newer homes do not contain asbestos, but those built before the 1970s likely still contain the substance. Old homes and historic structures may contain many different asbestos products. Asbestos construction materials were used in residential and commercial settings.

The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure

Where old homes are concerned, asbestos exposure poses a health risk to construction workers, demolition crews and do-it-yourself home renovators. Undisturbed asbestos does not cause harm; when handled, however, it can separate into microscopic particles that remain in the air. People who inhale these fibers may develop serious or life-threatening diseases.

Asbestos exposure is most linked to mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other internal organs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that affects the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Long-term asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor, but any exposure to the toxic material is hazardous.

Malignant mesothelioma affects more men than women, primarily because more men are occupationally exposed to asbestos. However, more women tend to develop the disease as the result of home renovation projects. In addition to mesothelioma, other asbestos-related diseases are possible for homeowners exposed to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, asbestosis, emphysema, lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.

Preventing Asbestos Exposure at Home

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research and makes recommendations for workplace safety. The agency also advises homeowners on decontamination procedures at home. For example, homeowners who work on renovation projects are advised to keep their work areas and living areas separate.

NIOSH encourages proper removal and disposal of asbestos. In some cases, local environmental health officials can advise homeowners of the proper procedures. In other cases, it is best to contact a professional who is experienced in asbestos abatement.

NIOSH recommends keeping family members away from rooms or materials that may contain asbestos, informing other workers of possible toxic hazards and securing work areas carefully and safely. Washing work clothes separately from other items prevents transferring dangerous asbestos particles to other clothing.