General Information on Asbestos
The District encourages homeowners to use an asbestos professional who is trained in handling asbestos materials. Improper removal/disposal of asbestos containing material can be a life threatening health hazard.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has been used for its fireproofing and insulating properties in more than 3,000 construction materials. Asbestos possesses a great tensile strength, strong thermal and chemical stability, and an unmatched ability to insulate. Many of these products have created hazards for households and are implicated in various diseases including an aggressive form of cancer, mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos typically occurs by inhaling airborne asbestos fibers after asbestos-laden materials have been disturbed. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear for 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. 

Types of Asbestos

There are six different types of asbestos divided into two groups. The two groups are serpentine and amphibole.  Serpentine has curly fibers and a layered structure. The only kind of asbestos in this category is chrysotile (white asbestos). It accounts for 90% to 95% of asbestos present in buildings in the United States.  Amphibole has a long chain-like structure with straight, sharp fibers that are quite easy to inhale. Widely used in a number of products until the late 1970s, there are five types that fall into this category - amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite. Crocidolite (blue asbestos) was the second most likely type – behind chrysotile – to be found in buildings.  Members of the amphibole group constitute the most dangerous type of asbestos due to the needle-like fibers that become lodged in the tissues of the body.

Large quantities of material put in place before asbestos warnings and bans are still in existence and present a serious health hazard due to their friability. These were primarily used to produce asbestos-cement but also used in brake shoes and pads, plastics, roof sealants, and road asphalt.

Why is Asbestos Hazardous?

When the fibers are disturbed, asbestos becomes airborne. Once they enter the air, they are capable of being inhaled by individuals in the area. Once they are introduced in the body, they can cause numerous health conditions as they can enter the lung tissue and the immune system is not capable of removing them. If asbestos is present, it should be monitored to ensure that the area is still safe and that the particles have not been disturbed. Research has shown that chrysotile asbestos can become lodged in the lungs and is the sole cause of malignant mesothelioma cancer.

Uses of Asbestos

There are several uses of asbestos, particularly in the realm of duct and pipe insulation, insulation in buildings, as well as in ceiling and wall panels. More specifically, the fibers can be found in compounds for patching and spackling, roofing materials, brake linings and pads, cement, heating appliances in the home such as toasters, flooring tiles, and furnaces.

Because of these common asbestos uses, the most common victims of these diseases are mechanics, construction workers, and those who have worked in shipyards. Aerosols containing asbestos were banned in 1973 and within a few years additional materials containing asbestos were also banned.

Who is at Risk for Asbestos Related Diseases?

Those who undergo exposure to asbestos are all at risk for asbestos-related conditions such as malignant mesothelioma. Individuals who are simply exposed to the clothes of those who work frequently with the mineral are also largely at risk for being diagnosed with this condition.

Workers from a wide range of trades use asbestos unknowingly. The toxic mineral was used in thousands of products and was prominently used in steel mills, power plants, chemical plants, factories, shipyards, construction and demolition, and even the telephone industry.

Occupations that commonly came in contact with asbestos include many trades and locations throughout the United States ranging from blacksmiths to electricians to pipefitters.

Another industry known for its asbestos use is the automobile industry. Brake and clutch manufacturers, as well as assembly workers, automobile mechanics and brake repairers, have been exposed to asbestos through their occupation.

Building material manufacturers and construction workers widely worked with asbestos-contaminated products. Demolition and wrecking crews were also at risk when they destroyed buildings that contain asbestos materials of all kinds. Additionally, blacksmiths, boilermakers, abatement workers, insulation manufacturing plant workers, steamfitters, refinery workers, pipefitters, machinists, insulators, and powerhouse workers were all at risk of asbestos exposure.

Types and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

There are four malignant types of mesothelioma.Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this disease, occurring in 75 percent of cases. This cancer develops in the lining of the lung. The other types are peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the peritoneal membrane in the stomach, pericardial mesothelioma which forms in the pericardium (the lining of the heart) and testicular mesothelioma which is the rarest form of the cancer.

Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear for 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. When symptoms do appear, it may still be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma, as the symptoms often mimic other diseases like asbestosis, as well as typical respiratory illnesses and even the common cold. The symptoms vary according to the type of mesothelioma. Those with pleural mesothelioma often exhibit persistent coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue and lumps on the chest, under the skin. Those with the peritoneal type may experience abdominal pain, weight loss and nausea. Pericardial mesothelioma causes irregular heartbeats, palpitations, breathing difficulties, chest pain and night sweats. Testicular mesothelioma causes lumps on the testicles that may or may not be painful.

For additional health information go to: www.pleuralmesothelioma.com and www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com. For information about the District's rule go to: www.ysaqmd.org/enforcement-asbestos.php