Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibers used in building materials due to their resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion. In 1975, research confirmed that the fibers caused mesothelioma and other cancers, resulting in strict usage laws. Many homeowners now remove asbestos-containing materials from their homes to prevent long-term health effects.
You’ll often find asbestos in the flooring, ceilings, pipes, and roofing of homes built before the 1990s. The most common asbestos-containing materials include vermiculite insulation, vinyl flooring, millboard, and corrugated roofing. If you suspect you have asbestos or any of these materials in your home, hire a reputable abatement company to perform testing.
Asbestos fibers are extremely dangerous, and inhalation can result in lung inflammation, scarring, cancer, and mesothelioma. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. These symptoms often show up years after exposure and lead to long-term health issues.
Asbestos is still found in some construction materials, such as roofing, flooring, ceiling tiles, and cement products. The EPA must approve all asbestos-containing products, and their use is heavily regulated. Most companies choose not to use asbestos due to its long-term health effects and strict rules surrounding its use.