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Asbestos

As with particulate matter, the very small particles cause most damage. Asbestos fibres, too small to see, can become airborne when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed by the unsuspecting do-it-yourselfer. Once inhaled, the fibres can remain in the lung for several months or years before they break down or are expelled. The fibres will accumulate, however, when a person is continuously or frequently exposed to asbestos, and may lead to lung diseases:

asbestosis, irreversible scarring of lung tissues making breathing difficult and may be fatal.

mesothelioma, a cancer of the inner lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity.

lung cancer, a person with asbestosis has a greater risk of developing lung cancer.

The US Environmental Protection Authority recommends the following Do's and Don'ts for the homeowner:

- Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.

- Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.

- Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.

- Don't dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.

- Don't saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.

- Don't use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor.

- Don't sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs replacing, install new floor covering over it, if possible.

- Don't track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area, or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional.

Asbestos is an extremely durable and stable mineral fibre that occurs naturally in rock formations in many parts of the world. The three main types: blue asbestos (crocidolite), brown asbestos (amosite), and white asbestos (chrysotile) were once used extensively in building and consumer products and, despite the phasing out of asbestos, many products are still in use today.

The very fine fibres can be spun into yarns and were used as heat insulation and fire retardant material in stoves and burners. The strength of the fibre also made it ideal as reinforcement in cement and roof tiles and a variety of other building products. The same property made it also the substance of choice for car brake pads.