When the demolition starts, I am often asked by my clients, if they should be concerned about asbestos. The answer is a resounding, MAYBE. Because it was cheap and plentiful, had excellent insulation properties and was virtually fire proof, it was used widely in virtually every kind of building material from insulation to flooring. Because the adverse effects of asbestos were not well known until the 1970′s many manufacturers continued to use it in their products until the late 70′s. Believe it or not, some exterior building products can still legally contain asbestos. Products such as cement board siding, asphalt shingles and roofing felt can still contain low levels of asbestos. Generally, caution should be taken when performing demolition on any structure built before 1980. Products such as vinyl sheet flooring and vinyl floor, wall or ceiling tiles can contain 20 % or more. Insulation around old electrical wire, electrical boxes, appliances and steam pipes can contain very high levels of asbestos. The danger comes when the asbestos is in a “friable” state. That is, when it has been crumbled and broken into small enough particles to become airborne. Once in the air it can be breathed into the lungs, where most of the damage can take place.
In reality, the chance of developing serious asbestos related disease like mesothelioma is very slight for the average homeowner. In general, their potential for exposure would be brief and not continuous. Most serious cases of asbestos-related illnesses are caused by an extended “occupational exposure” to asbestos from mining, processing or manufacturing processes. Construction workers would have a much greater chance of exposure if they are repeatedly involved in the demolition of older structures.
Unfortunately, laws concerning handling of asbestos are much more liberal for residential construction and demolition than for Industrial or commercial work. My advice is to play it safe. If your house is old, use precautions to minimize the friability of asbestos containing materials. Have suspicious materials tested. Dispose of it properly. Contain the area in question, and clean up well to reduce the possibility of exposure. To learn more about asbestos, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related issues, click on: www.asbestos.com
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