There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about asbestos — and some of it can put you and your family at real risk. Although asbestos use has been controlled by government agencies since the 1970s, it may still be found in many U.S. homes. Here are five common myths, and the facts you actually need to know.
Myth 1: It’s Easy to Identify Asbestos by Looking at It
This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions out there. The truth is, you simply cannot see asbestos. It’s integrated into building products to make them more durable and fire-resistant, but the fibers themselves are invisible to the naked eye. Asbestos testing is the only reliable method for determining whether a material contains asbestos. You can make educated guesses based on the age of a property, but you cannot identify asbestos by looking at things themselves.
Myth 2: Some Types of Asbestos Are Harmless
While non-friable asbestos may not pose an immediate threat if it’s intact and undisturbed, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. All types of asbestos are dangerous and can lead to serious exposure-related health conditions, including cancer. If your home has asbestos that is damaged or at risk of being disturbed, it needs to be addressed by a professional.
Myth 3: Asbestos-Related Diseases Are Contagious
This myth likely comes from the fact that some asbestos-related illnesses, like respiratory disease, can look similar to contagious conditions. The key difference: asbestos-related diseases are caused solely by inhaling asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and mesothelioma — but none of these conditions can be passed from person to person.
Myth 4: Asbestos Exposure Only Happens in Certain Occupations
It was once believed that asbestos exposure only occurred in industries like mining and building construction. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. People are being exposed in their own homes — and as a result, we are now seeing children diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Exposure can happen anywhere asbestos-containing materials exist, especially when those materials are damaged or disturbed.
Myth 5: Newer Homes Are Free of Asbestos
This is a surprisingly common misconception. While older homes carry a higher risk, asbestos-containing materials can still be found in newly constructed homes. Because asbestos is not completely banned in the United States, new homes continue to be found with asbestos-containing products.
As you can see, there are several misconceptions about asbestos. Staying informed protects you and your loved ones from exposure.
- Environmental Protection Division
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
- Asbestos In Home
Have questions about asbestos in your home? The team at ES America is here to help. Reach out to us at services@es-america.com — we serve homeowners and businesses in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, and we’re happy to guide you through your options.