Asbestos in the home can pose serious health risks to all that occupy the home.  Even asbestos that seems to be solid and safe can cause problems, particularly if the homeowners decide to remodel or add on.  Even adding new wiring or plumbing to a home can pose health problems if there is asbestos present in any way.  Drilling into any sort of material containing asbestos will release asbestos into the home, making it capable of being inhaled and causing harm to the respiratory system.

Asbestos Shingles

One common culprit for bringing asbestos in the home is asbestos shingles, which are commonly in cement or transite form.  Asbestos shingles that become damaged or that are broken apart cause serious health risks because they release the fibers into the air.  Even extreme weather conditions, such as hail or extended periods of rain, can scour the surface of asbestos shingles and cause fibers to be released. 

Removing and replacing damaged shingles can control the amount of asbestos in the home resulting from asbestos shingles.  Exposed surfaces can also be sealed with a sealant or a latex paint to prevent the release of asbestos fibers.  While doing this, respiratory protection needs to be worn to prevent inhalation of the fibers.  Also, it is best to keep the asbestos tiles wet while removing them in order to help prevent the fibers from being released into the air.  Any clothing worn during this process should also be thrown away afterward to prevent the spread of the fibers. 

Asbestos shingles can also be removed before they are damaged.  When removing asbestos shingles, however, care must be taken to avoid breaking the shingles and releasing asbestos fibers.  In addition, the asbestos shingles must be placed inside a tightly sealed bag to ensure fibers are not released into the environment.  Each state and locality has its own methods for disposal of asbestos products, so be sure to check on these regulations in order to dispose of the asbestos shingles properly.

Asbestos Ceiling Tile

Like asbestos shingles, asbestos ceiling tile is generally considered to be safe so long as the ceiling is not broken or damaged in any way.  Of course, a homeowner can never be 100% sure that the ceiling will not become damaged.  All it takes is for one of the children to throw something at the ceiling or for something tall to be carried into the home and accidentally scratching the asbestos ceiling tile to release the fibers into the home. 

In addition, some homes may have the heat register blowing across asbestos tile.  After a long period of time, this can erode the asbestos time and cause the materials to be released into the home.  Also, remodeling can also cause the material to be scraped or broken, resulting in fibers of asbestos in the home.  Therefore, it is generally a good idea to remove asbestos ceiling tile before it becomes damaged.  Just as with asbestos shingles, asbestos ceiling tiles should be removed carefully and disposed of properly. 

Other Sources of Asbestos in the Home

In addition to asbestos shingles and asbestos ceiling tiles, asbestos can be in the home from a variety of other sources.  For example, the insulation for electrical wires may contain asbestos, as can pipe insulation and thermal insulation.  Duct tape, wallboard mud, window glazing, and fireproofing grout also may contain asbestos fibers.  Vinyl floor tile, floor tile mastic, linoleum sheet flooring, siding, roll-on roofing, furnaces, woodstoves, and oven door gaskets can also have asbestos.  The key to keeping exposure to asbestos in the home at a minimum is to seal these items properly to ensure the fibers are not released or, when possible, to remove and replace them with materials that do not contain asbestos.