What to know
- People may be exposed to asbestos by breathing tiny asbestos fibers in the air.
- Asbestos fibers get into the air when old asbestos materials or natural deposits are disturbed.
- Learn how to reduce exposure to asbestos when it may be present in the air.
What increases your risk
Asbestos is a dangerous substance and should be avoided.
Asbestos fibers get into the air when old asbestos materials or natural deposits are disturbed. The amount of asbestos that gets into the air people breathe depends on many factors, including:
- Location.
- Type of material or soil the asbestos is in.
- Age and characteristics of the material.
- Weather conditions and moisture.
- Intensity of the activity disturbing the material.
People who have contact with asbestos do not always develop health problems. The risk of disease depends on many factors:
- How much asbestos is in the air
- How often and for how long exposure occurs
- How much time has passed since exposure began
- Whether the person already has lung or breathing conditions and
- Whether the person smokes tobacco
Once the asbestos fibers get into the air, they will act the same no matter where they came from. A particular type and size of asbestos fiber will cause the same risk of disease whether it came directly from a natural deposit or a commercial product.
Exposure
People may be exposed to asbestos by breathing tiny asbestos fibers in the air. Asbestos gets into the air from natural deposits in the earth or from commercial products that contain the minerals.
Asbestos fibers usually get into the air when something disturbs their natural deposits in soil, rock, or older products. Some examples include the following:
- Weathering or erosion of natural asbestos at the ground surface or of old asbestos-containing products.
- Crushing rock that has natural deposits of asbestos.
- Handling, cutting, or crushing old asbestos-containing products, such as during building renovation or demolition projects.
- Disturbing soil with natural deposits of asbestos or old asbestos-containing products during recreational or other outdoor activities.
- Handling or disturbing asbestos-contaminated consumer products (such as some vermiculite or talc).
- Gardening in soil contaminated by natural asbestos deposits or asbestos-containing commercial products.
- Cleaning or other household activities that might stir up asbestos-contaminated dust.
People may also be exposed to asbestos by accidentally swallowing fibers or getting them on their skin. However, the effects of swallowing or touching asbestos are less serious than the health effects of breathing asbestos. These types of contact only cause health effects after large amounts of exposure.
After exposure
Asbestos can't be removed from the lungs after exposure. Preventing further harm to the respiratory system can lower the chances of disease developing. It may also slow down progress of an existing disease.
When care is needed
Preventive care guidelines related to asbestos exposure include:
- Having regular medical exams
- Getting regular vaccinations against flu and pneumococcal pneumonia
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding further asbestos exposure
Prevention tips
People who live in older homes, certain workers, and those in areas with natural asbestos deposits have high risk of exposure.
Workers
People who work around asbestos, or materials that contain it, should:
- Get proper training for handling asbestos.
- Wear the right personal protective equipment.
Older homes
People who live in older homes should avoid disturbing materials that might contain asbestos, including:
- Pipe and furnace insulation.
- Siding.
- Flooring.
- Popcorn ceilings installed from the 1950s to the 1970s.
- Vermiculite attic insulation.
If materials are breaking down or need to be replaced, contact the local or state environmental agency. You can also consult with a certified asbestos contractor.
Hire contractors who know the laws for safe asbestos removal and disposal. They should also follow these laws strictly.
Areas with natural asbestos deposits
People who live in areas with natural asbestos deposits or near areas contaminated by old asbestos-containing products can be exposed.
Keep asbestos levels low in the home:
- Use wet cleaning methods and high efficience particulate air (HEPA) vaccuums.
- Wipe shoes on doormats or remove shoes before entering.
- Keep windows closed on windy days.
Prevent breathing dust while outside:
- Wet soil with water before gardening or playing.
- Spray patios with water instead of sweeping.
- Stay on pavement or ground covered with grass or mulch.