Myths You May Have Heard About Asbestos
Asbestos used to be widely used in building materials such as insulation, pipes, and shingles. However, as the substance was found to be linked to lung cancer — specifically a type of lung cancer called mesothelioma — its use has since been heavily regulated. Many people still have asbestos in their older homes. If you have asbestos in your home, you may need to have it removed. However, there are a lot of myths out there about asbestos and asbestos removal, so it's important to make sure the information you have is true before you proceed with removal services.
Myth: Some new building materials still contain asbestos.
You may have heard that even new building materials may contain asbestos if they are low-quality or cheap. But this is not the case — at least in Canada. The Canadian government issued a ban, effective December 30, 2018, specifying that asbestos was outlawed with a few exceptions. Those exceptions were for the military, in nuclear facilities, and in the chlor-alkali and magnesium extraction industries. The building industry is not allowed to use asbestos at all, so you do not need to be concerned about the new materials you install.
Some of the confusion as to whether asbestos is legal may come from the fact that it can still be used in some building applications in the US. Your neighbors to the south do need to be a bit more careful than you do.
Myth: You don't need to worry about asbestos exposure if you don't work in the industry.
It is true that mesothelioma, the type of lung cancer linked to asbestos, is most common in people who work around the material. But that does not mean you're not at risk if you live in a home with asbestos materials. Think about it; you spend many hours each day in your home. Even if your level of exposure is low, the cumulative exposure you experience over many years can add up and be higher than the exposure someone who works in the asbestos industry experiences over a year or two.
Myth: All asbestos-containing materials need to be removed.
Rumor has it that if there are any tiles, insulation, or other materials containing asbestos in your home, you need to have them removed ASAP. This is not exactly the case. As long as a material made with asbestos is in good shape, it's not generally a risk. Asbestos becomes hazardous when it starts to break down and release fibers into the air, since you can then inhale those fibers. If your materials are in good shape, just keep an eye on them. Contact a residential asbestos testing service if there is any indication of them flaking, peeling, or breaking apart.
Myth: If you feel fine, then asbestos is not affecting you.
You've lived in a home with old asbestos insulation for years and you feel just fine — so the risks must be over-stated, right? Wrong! Mesothelioma takes years to develop. Some people do not develop symptoms until 50 years after they are exposed to asbestos. It would actually be more unusual for you to notice symptoms early on when living with asbestos. Do your future health a favor, and have any damaged asbestos materials removed now. If you know you have been exposed to asbestos, it's a good idea to let your doctor know so they can monitor your health for signs of lung cancer going forward.
If you have any other questions or concerns about asbestos and the risks it presents, talk to an asbestos removal service in your area. They can take a look at your home and let you know how best to proceed.