The word “asbestos” can generate instant feelings of worry and fear. In the last 40 years or so, we have learned that there are some very serious health issues caused by asbestos material. Before these health risks became widely known, asbestos had been used in many industrial products, including home construction products. If you live in a home that is older than 30 years old, you may want to know all about asbestos siding.
Why you Need to Know all About Asbestos Siding
What is Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos siding was commonly used in residential and commercial construction. It is just that, siding that is made of a combination of materials, including asbestos, which is installed around the outside of a building. Siding is used to protect a home or a building from damage that can be caused by things such as weather, sun exposure, and hot or cold fluctuations.
All About Asbestos Siding Usage in the U.S.
Asbestos was commonly used before the public became aware of the serious health issues caused by asbestos material. Before health concerns arose, asbestos was well-known as an indestructible material, which is great for protecting buildings.
The word “asbestos” is derived from a Greek word that means “inextinguishable.” Asbestos is actually a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibers: actinolite, amosite, anthrophyllite, chrysotile crocidolite, and tremolite. The material is resistant to damage from chemicals or fire, and it provides a comfortable layer of insulation to a home or building. Thus, the construction industry was all about asbestos siding and other construction materials made with asbestos because of its nearly indestructible nature.
Are you in Danger in your Older Home?
Probably not. Not all older homes were built with asbestos siding. Even if you do have asbestos siding on your home, you are not likely to be in any significant danger of developing health issues caused by asbestos material. Why not?
The health risks caused by asbestos require the material to be inhaled into a person’s lungs or to otherwise enter the body, sometimes by swallowing. Construction materials made with asbestos material are solid in nature and difficult to destroy. The indestructible quality of the material that makes it appealing to use in home building is the same quality that keeps you protected from inhaling or ingesting it.
The only way you can inhale asbestos fibers is if the material is breaking down and the asbestos fibers are released in to the air. If the asbestos materials are intact, there is little risk of developing health concerns from the presence of asbestos on or in your home.
Do you Know all About Asbestos Siding on Your Home?
The only way to really know if your home has asbestos siding is to have it tested by a professional. Asbestos professionals are accredited and trained to know all about asbestos siding. This is NOT something to attempt to figure out without the help of a professional.
If your home is in good condition, there is no damage to the outside of your house, and you are not planning any construction upgrades that will affect the exterior of the house, there really is no need to have your siding tested to determine if it is made of asbestos. If there is some damage or breakdown to the siding in your home and your home is older than 30 years, you may want to consider hiring an accredited asbestos professional in your area to ensure that the testing is done safely and correctly.
What Should you do if you Have Asbestos Siding?
The short answer is–usually nothing. Asbestos siding is not a serious or immediate threat to your health as long as it is intact. There is no risk of asbestos fibers being released from the material as long as the material is not altered or damaged in any way.
If you intend to do some home remodeling, this can disrupt the asbestos siding and cause it to break down. Asbestos-containing materials may release fibers when they are disturbed or damaged. This includes simple activities such as repairs, sanding, and drilling.
Do not take a risk and attempt home construction projects that will disrupt the integrity of asbestos siding on your own. Make sure that you consult a professional who is licensed and trained to know all about asbestos siding to test your house for asbestos and help you to remove and repair it as necessary according to environmental or health guidelines.
The attorneys of Nemeroff Law Firm know all about asbestos siding and the potentially harmful effects of asbestos, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. With over 150 years of collective experience fighting to help victims of asbestos exposure, we will fight to recover what you and your loved ones deserve. Contact us at 866-342-1929 or via email.