When does asbestos become dangerous in your home?

Is Your Home Safe? The Truth About Asbestos Exposure in Domestic Settings

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring, fibrous minerals known for their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. These characteristics made asbestos highly desirable in various industries, especially construction, throughout the 20th century.

Historically, asbestos was widely used in construction from the early 1900s through the late 20th century. Its popularity peaked around the 1970s when it was incorporated into countless residential, commercial, and industrial buildings worldwide.

Unfortunately, by this time, it became evident that asbestos exposure posed significant health risks.

Types of Asbestos

Asbestos minerals are generally categorized into two main groups based on their fiber structures:

1 Serpentine Asbestos:

• Chrysotile: Often called "white asbestos," chrysotile has curly fibers and is the most commonly used form. It was widely used in insulation, flooring, roofing, and cement.

2 Amphibole Asbestos:

• Amosite: Known as "brown asbestos," amosite has straight, needle-like fibers. It was primarily used in cement sheets, pipe insulation, and insulation boards.
• Crocidolite: Also called "blue asbestos," crocidolite has fine, brittle fibers that are easily inhaled. It was used in steam engine insulation and spray-on coatings but is highly hazardous.
• Tremolite, Anthophyllite, and Actinolite: These types were not as commercially widespread but can be found as contaminants in other minerals, like talc.

Each type of asbestos carries health risks, but amphibole asbestos fibers tend to remain in the lungs longer than chrysotile, which can increase the risk of asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Health Risks

Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs and lead to severe diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

• Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by lung tissue scarring. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and respiratory issues.
• Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
• Lung Cancer: People exposed to asbestos, especially those who smoke, have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

By the 1980s and 1990s, many countries began regulating and banning asbestos in construction materials. Despite these bans, older homes and buildings may still contain asbestos, posing potential risks during renovations, demolitions, or wear over time.

Conditions Under Which Asbestos Fibers Become Hazardous in Homes

In a home setting, asbestos becomes hazardous when it is friable, meaning it can easily crumble or break apart, releasing fibers into the air. Critical conditions where asbestos fibers can become dangerous include:

1. Renovations and Demolition: Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can release fibers by drilling, cutting, or breaking down. Homeowners often encounter this risk during remodeling.

2. Aging or Deterioration: Over time, asbestos materials may naturally degrade, becoming more brittle and prone to releasing fibers.

3. Water Damage: Flooding or leaks can weaken asbestos materials, increasing the chances of fiber release.

4. Improper Handling: Attempting DIY repairs or removals without proper training or equipment can disturb asbestos materials and create hazardous conditions.

Leaving homes with asbestos-containing materials undisturbed is generally the safest approach, as fibers are unlikely to be released unless disturbed.

Asbestos in Fire Doors

Asbestos was frequently used in fire doors due to its remarkable fire-resistant properties. Asbestos fibers embedded in the door’s structure could withstand extreme heat, providing a crucial barrier in the event of a fire. Additionally, asbestos fire doors offered effective insulation, helping to control the spread of smoke and flames between rooms. This material was widespread in multi-family buildings and high-rise apartments, where fire prevention measures were crucial.

While asbestos fire doors offered essential safety benefits at the time, they pose health risks today. When fire doors age, degrade or are removed, they may release asbestos fibers into the environment, creating hazardous conditions. Given this risk, professional handling is advised when dealing with asbestos fire doors, particularly during renovations or replacement projects.

Australia's Guidelines on Asbestos Management and Handling

Australia has strict asbestos management and handling guidelines, reflecting a strong commitment to minimizing exposure risks.

1 Complete Ban on Asbestos (Since 2003)

Australia introduced a total ban on asbestos as of December 31, 2003, prohibiting the import, manufacture, supply, and use of asbestos-containing materials in any form.

2 Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations

These regulations are enforced by Safe Work Australia and are managed by states and territories, which outline strict standards for workplaces where asbestos may be present. Under these regulations, Employers must conduct asbestos risk assessments in buildings built before the ban and for workplaces containing asbestos, asbestos management plans detailing locations, safe work practices, and removal schedules are mandatory.

3 Asbestos Removal

Only licensed removalists are authorized to remove asbestos. Two license types are available:

• Class A License: For removing all types of asbestos, including friable (easily crumbled) asbestos.
• Class B License: Permits the removal of non-friable asbestos only (e.g., bonded asbestos materials).

4 Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA)

Established by the Australian Government, ASEA provides resources and information to the public and industry on safe asbestos management practices, working toward long-term goals of asbestos removal and increased public awareness.

Australia's asbestos regulations emphasize strict control of asbestos-containing materials in workplace and residential settings. They require licensed removal, regulated disposal, and public awareness to minimize exposure risks. These comprehensive guidelines support a safe approach to dealing with legacy asbestos in buildings, helping to protect workers and residents from the health hazards associated with asbestos fibers.

Asbestos is banned in over 60 countries

Russia is the largest producer and user of asbestos, particularly chrysotile (white asbestos), which is still used in construction materials like roofing and cement.

China uses asbestos in various industries, with some provinces having stricter regulations than others.