What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is an industry term applied to six naturally occurring minerals with high tensile strength and resistance to heat and corrosion. The minerals are mined, then added to a variety of building materials. Some of the most common materials that may contain asbestos in your home are joint compound, sheet flooring and “popcorn” textured ceiling.

Asbestos minerals are divided into two groups: amphibole and serpentine, defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 40CFR60 subpart M61.141, as “the asbestiform varieties of serpentine (chrysotile), crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite and actinolite-tremolite”.

Is there “good” or “bad” asbestos?

It’s important to clarify that there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” asbestos—all forms of asbestos pose significant health risks. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs or stomach lining, leading to serious health issues over time, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Often, when people refer to “good” versus “bad” asbestos, they are typically comparing two different types: chrysotile and tremolite. These terms can be misleading because both types of asbestos can be harmful.

Chrysotile is a type of serpentine mineral that, when disturbed, breaks apart into tiny fibers. Because these fibers are soft and curly, some mistakenly consider chrysotile to be the “less dangerous” form of asbestos. However, despite its appearance, chrysotile is still a mineral with a composition that is extremely resistant to breakdown by the human body. Once inhaled, these fibers can become lodged in lung tissue, where they remain for many years, potentially causing significant health issues.

On the other hand, tremolite is an amphibole mineral, and it breaks apart into sharp, needle-like shards. These shards are rigid and can easily puncture lung tissue, which is why tremolite is often referred to as the “bad” asbestos. The sharp nature of these fibers makes them particularly dangerous, as they can cause more immediate and severe damage to the lungs and other tissues.

Despite these differences in form and texture, both chrysotile and tremolite are hazardous. The health risks they pose depend not only on their physical characteristics but also on the level and duration of exposure. Therefore, it’s critical to handle all asbestos-containing materials with care, regardless of the type, and to follow proper safety protocols to minimize exposure.

In summary, while chrysotile and tremolite have different physical properties, neither should be considered “safe.” Both types of asbestos can lead to serious health problems, and it’s essential to approach all asbestos with the same level of caution.

When do I need an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a critical step in ensuring safety during any demolition or renovation project, especially in commercial buildings or residential properties with more than five units. It’s important to note that there is no age cutoff for a building—whether the structure is old or new, an asbestos survey may still be necessary.

Why do I need an asbestos survey?

Primarily, an asbestos survey is required to protect the health and safety of both building occupants and workers. For example, if your bathroom floods and a company is called in to repair the water damage, a small asbestos survey might be required before work begins. If asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are found, an asbestos abatement process will need to be carried out to safely remove or manage these materials.

The purpose of these precautions is to prevent the accidental release of asbestos fibers during repairs or renovations. Improper handling or disposal of asbestos-containing materials can result in dangerous fibers being released into the air, where they can be inhaled by workers and residents alike. These fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung disease and cancer.

In summary, an asbestos survey isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a crucial measure to protect everyone involved in the project. Whether you’re dealing with a minor repair or a major renovation, ensuring that an asbestos survey is conducted can help you avoid potential health risks and ensure that the work is done safely and responsibly.

But my building wasn’t built before the 80s… wasn’t that when asbestos was banned?

Asbestos is not fully banned in the United States.

Asbestos mining ended in just 2002 with the closure of the last asbestos mine, but you can still find products that contain asbestos.

A bill for a total asbestos ban was passed in the 1980s but was quickly overturned in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

It is still legal to import products that contain asbestos. Some products contain up to 1% asbestos!

Here is a rundown of asbestos bans in the United States through the 90s:

• 1973: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of asbestos for insulation purposes when sprayed on. 

• 1977: The use of asbestos in patching compounds and textured paint was banned. 

• 1978: The EPA expanded the ban on spray-on asbestos to include all applications. 

• 1989: The EPA partially banned the manufacture, import, processing, and distribution of some asbestos products. 

• 1990: Companies were allowed to continue manufacturing, processing, and importing asbestos products until August 27, 1990. 

• 1992: Companies were allowed to continue selling their inventories until August 25, 1992.