What About Asbestos?

Asbestos pit mine.

Asbestos is actually the single name given to describe several naturally occurring minerals. The most common three are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Chrysotile (known as white asbestos) is the one that finds the most commercial applications, and is the type that is most frequently found in Minneapolis homes. Asbestos is composed of microscopic fibers that can only be identified by microscopic examination.

Is Asbestos Always Dangerous?

No. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition, they should be simply left alone. Attempting to remove them would only create an unnecessary hazard. However, asbestos is “friable, ” which simply means that it can be crushed into dust by hand. Grinding, sanding, or otherwise disturbing asbestos materials can cause the microfibers to become airborne.

Why Was Asbestos Used in Minneapolis Homes?

Asbestos has some remarkable properties. It can be woven into fabric. It is strong and resistant to chemicals and heat. Asbestos does not conduct heat or electricity. Asbestos was used in homes for floor tiles, ceiling tiles, siding, and insulating wrap for furnaces, water heaters, and pipes.

Surprisingly, the EPA does NOT track the use of asbestos in commercial products. The consumer must be aware of possible asbestos use in various products and make inquiries about products that may contain it.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos becomes dangerous when it is disturbed and the microscopic fibers become airborne. There is no safe level of asbestos, but increased exposure means increased risk of disease. Inhalation of the fibers can cause three serious diseases:

1. Asbestosis. Inhaled fibers become trapped in pulmonary tissue. The body responds by producing an acid in order to dissolve the fibers. Unfortunately, the acid does little to the fibers, but may scar the lungs to the point that they cannot function. Sometimes the disease does not show up for 40 years.
2. Lung cancer. Lung cancer incidence with asbestos exposure is greatly increased by cigarette smoking. The latency period for this disease is 15 to 30 years.
3. Mesothelioma. The only known cause of this type of cancer is asbestos. The disease may not manifest itself for up to thirty years.

What if I Suspect an Asbestos Hazard in My Home?

If material is suspect, it should be examined by an accredited laboratory. If it needs to be removed, a professional contractor would need to be hired. However, the most common use of asbestos in Minneapolis homes is pipe wrap for elbow joints on old furnaces or boilers. Typically, the hazard can be remedied by encapsulating the pipe wrap with two to three coats of latex paint. Generally speaking, the asbestos in basement floor tiles is a low level hazard, and most of the asbestos material is in the tile glue. According to the EPA, a very safe remedy is to simply carpet over the tile.

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