The Air That You Breathe - Vermiculite Attic Insulation and Asbestos Fibers

Do you have, or have you heard of, vermiculite attic insulation? It is a common mineral that we home inspectors often find in attics. It looks like crushed rocks and a bit like rabbit ration -- the pellets you feed rabbits and hamsters. Despite the innocent, if unusual appearance, there could be safety concerns with this product if it is disturbed. Vermiculite is a mineral that is different than asbestos, but the problem is simple: Vermiculite, mined prior to 1991, came from a mine near Libby, Montana.
The mine had a natural deposit of asbestos present which tainted some of the vermiculite with the asbestos fibers. Authorities do not believe that all of the vermiculite was affected but it is considered possible to likely that any attic insulation installed prior to 1991 will contain some asbestos. What to do? The EPA suggests that, if you have older vermiculite, leave it alone and do not disturb it. Modern vermiculite, since 1991, comes from three US facilities and is considered to be safe.
So, in a nutshell, the biggest problem with the attic insulation comes into play if you want to remodel. Moving it around stirs it up, makes it airborne, and that is not what you want to do. In fact, storing belongings in such attics, or kids playing in the space, should not be allowed. For example, I inspected a home once, where an attic had been converted to a bedroom, and vermiculite was openly visible on the floor of all of the bedroom closets. Just opening the door and getting dressed in the morning would stir it up.
The EPA states that, since asbestos is a contaminant in the vermiculite, a homeowner might assume that all older vermiculite has at least trace elements of asbestos. It can be difficult to find small quantities of asbestos in a lab test. But, if a homeowner is really concerned about vermiculite, he or she still might find piece of mind by having the material tested at a lab. Don't do that without first getting the information or a kit from the lab, so you can learn how to safely and properly collect the material. You need, at a minimum, samples from different parts of the attic. If you do not know where to find a lab, or maybe you want a professional to do the test for you, then call a home inspector in your town. Let the home inspector climb up on the ladder and take the samples for you. The fee should be quite low for this simple service.

Mesothelioma - An Asbestos-Related Disease

Asbestos is a group of minerals that occurs naturally in the form of bundles of fibers. These fibers can be converted into thin threads that are resistant to heat, chemicals and are not conductors of electricity. Basically, asbestos is a silicon based compound with several variants such as amphibole, chrysotile... etc.
Asbestos can be found in construction cement, insulation, roofing, boilers, steam pipes, hot water pipes and a host of other products. In the 1900s, asbestos was linked to a series of respiratory problems that were collectively known as asbestosis. Later, in the 1950s, the link between asbestos and mesothelioma was made. Asbestos is now recognized as one of the most potent carcinogens in our environment. Yet, even today, asbestos can be found in many products of daily life (ex. Fireproof clothing, caulk, clutch plates, brake pads...etc.)
Who are at risk of developing mesothelioma?
Asbestos is especially dangerous to those people who work regularly with it. When an asbestos-containing material is disturbed, the fibers are released in the atmosphere and can be inhaled by people in that environment. Construction works (e.g. renovation of old buildings constructed with asbestos-containing cement), pipefitting and other such works can release asbestos fibers which can then be inhaled by workmen. Secondary exposure has also been known to occur. Asbestos fibers collected as dust on the clothes and hair of workers can be inhaled by their family members. It is known that an exposure of as low as two months is sufficient to result in mesothelioma 30-40 years down the line.
Factors affecting the risk of developing mesothelioma
Several factors determine whether asbestos exposure will cause mesothelioma cancer in the future:
* Dose (how much asbestos is inhaled)
* Duration (length of exposure to asbestos)
* Type of asbestos fiber (for mesothelioma, amphibole fibers are considered to be more dangerous because they remain in the lungs longer and migrate to the mesothelial layer).
* Individual risk factors such as smoking and preexisting lung conditions
How asbestos causes Mesothelioma cancer?
Once inhaled, asbestos causes cells to die causing the lungs to become scarred. Asbestos fibers slowly work their way towards the alveoli and eventually into the mesothelium.
For a while now, scientists have been unable to determine the precise pathway by which asbestos fibers cause cancer. This is because asbestos is supposedly necrotic in nature (i.e. it kills cells). Dead cells are not supposed to multiply and produce tumors. It is only recently, in 2010, that this paradox was resolved. Asbestos fibers cause programmed cell necrosis which releases a molecule known as high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB 1) protein. HMGB1 initiates an inflammatory reaction that results in the production of mutagens and tumor growth factors.
Mutagens damages the DNA of the cells including those parts that regulate cell reproduction. Cells begin to reproduce uncontrollably forming tumors. The growth factors encourage the tumors to expand hence resulting in mesothelioma and lung cancer, depending on the site of the damage

Asbestos Fibers and the Danger of Asbestos Related Diseases

Asbestos fibers can lead to various hazardous diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural plaques, and mesothelioma. Research proves that the ingestion or inhalation of these fibers leads to harm to the lungs and the growth of cancer over an extended period of time.
Asbestosis is a non-cancerous lung illness. This disease takes twenty five to forty years to grow. As asbestos fibers become trapped in your lungs, the body will generate an acid to try to eradicate these fibers. The sustained production of the acid can ultimately scar the tissues in your lungs. An extreme amount of scarring may lead to the lungs to work inappropriately. This can cause serious breathing troubles.
Mesothelioma cancer is an uncommon kind of cancer that has been attributed to the exposure to asbestos fibers. A lot of medical professionals consider that mesothelioma cancer can simply be contracted by way of the inhalation of asbestos into the lungs; nearly all cases of mesothelioma cancer have been related with workers whose jobs have exposed them to unusually high levels of asbestos.
Worldwide, more than 125 million people remain to be exposed to asbestos in the place of work. Additionally, sources of asbestos like fibers from brake linings and deterioration of building materials that have asbestos be a factor to increased exposure in the environment.
Exposure to asbestos fibers is currently a demonstrated serious health risk. For this reason identifying asbestos in your house and property is really vital. As a side note though, it is also significant to understand that asbestos-containing materials are in general safe when they are in a good, undisturbed condition. The greatest hazards come when asbestos products are cut, broken, sawn, drilled or disposed of.
Asbestos fibers are not able to be seen to the eye. If you consider you may have been exposed to asbestos, the most widespread technique for testing is a chest x-ray. The x-ray will not demonstrate the fibers but it can spot early signs of lung illness. There is no known cure for asbestos connected diseases.

Asbestos Floor Tiles And Asbestos Siding

Floor tiles that contain asbestos are very prevalent in homes that were constructed before the 1970's. Asbestos containing floor tiles became popular because of their low cost as compared to other types of floor covering such as wood and marble.
Asbestos floor tiles can be a health risk. If the tiles are worn, or damaged the asbestos fibers can become friable or air born. If the floor tiles are water damaged they are equally a problem. Foot traffic can cause mechanical damage to these floor tiles. Sanding or removal of the floor tiles can also cause the asbestos fibers to get into the air.
When asbestos fibers enter the air, they can cause a number of illnesses and health issues, including lung cancer, as well as other diseases. Asbestos-related illnesses are dangerous and can be fatal. These types of asbestos caused diseases may take several years or longer before presenting symptoms.
Asbestos floor tiles should be removed by a reputable asbestos abatement company. The contractor will take the steps necessary in order to avoid asbestos being released into the air.
Another less but less desirable method to deal with the asbestos is to cover it with another floor covering. This will not cure the underlying problem of having the asbestos tiles but is a way to protect the tiles from being damaged. Carpeting is a good choice because it is installed with a pad. The pad along with the carpeting will help keep the asbestos tiles from mechanical damage. Just be sure not to damage the floor tiles while installing the carpeting. Linoleum and vinyl are other options to cover asbestos containing tiles.
The existence of asbestos floor tiles should be disclosed to any potential purchasers of your home. It is not ethical not to disclose the presence because if the buyer decides to remove the floor covering installed over the asbestos, the asbestos floor tiles can become damaged. As home inspectors it is next to impossible for us to determine the type of materials that are under the new floor.
Another place that asbestos was used is on the siding of homes. Asbestos cement is a hard siding and is composed of a mixture of Portland cement and asbestos fibers. The siding was banned in the country in the mid 1970's.
Asbestos siding became popular because in 1920 a major fire prevention organization recommended the siding because of its fire resistant properties. The agency was recommending the replacement of highly flammable wood siding with the asbestos siding which is very fire resistant. The use of asbestos siding really became prominent in the 1940's and this is the decade in which many homes have this type of siding.
In 1970 the health risks associated with asbestos exposures grew and became more prominent. As the anti asbestos sentiments took hold the US federal government stepped in and banned asbestos from building products in 1973.
It has been well established that asbestos can cause serious health problems if it is inhaled. Asbestos can cause two major types of cancer asbestosis and Mesothlioma. Both of these cancers can be fatal in the majority of instances. However, asbestos siding if it is in good condition does not present a health hazard. This is due to the cement component that is in the shingle. The cement binds the asbestos fibers and prevents the fibers from becoming air born. The EPA has established that asbestos is a health hazard when it is in a friable or in an air born state. The only way that the asbestos fibers can get into the air is for them to be damaged mechanically.
Asbestos cement building products such as siding are not considered hazardous unless they are disturbed. If the siding is damaged by chipping, sawing, grinding or sanding this will allow fibers to enter the air. Then the asbestos is considered in a friable state and a health hazard. Deterioration or wearing of the siding can also lead to particles becoming airborne and potentially dangerous.
Proper care of asbestos cement siding is very important in order to avoid damage and deterioration. Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and cracks very easily which can cause asbestos particles to become airborne. A professional siding contractor can replace the damaged siding with fiber cement siding that does not contain asbestos. Specific fiber cement materials have been manufactured for repairs that are intended to look like asbestos cement siding. All asbestos containing materials must be discarded properly. In some states you can take the damaged siding to a landfill that can handle asbestos. In other states specific waste disposal facilities need to be used.
Asbestos cement exterior cladding has been in use for many years, Home inspectors in Middlesex County New Jersey are likely to encounter asbestos cement siding when inspecting exteriors. Knowing some of the health risks associated with this type of siding can be useful when answering questions about asbestos, although any specific concerns should be deferred to the appropriate healthcare professional.

Detecting Asbestos Tiles

Asbestos is currently a regulated material, because studies and scientific research have proved that it is a cause of several forms of cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestos poisoning. These illnesses do not show up right after the exposure to asbestos-they have a remarkably long latency period. However, constant and prolonged exposure to asbestos will cause its tiny fibers and particles to accumulate in the lungs. These asbestos fibers are particularly sharp-they can easily puncture and penetrate the sensitive lung tissues. The most serious illness that one can contract because of asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that have claimed thousands of lives.
It was only in the 1960's that the fatal mesothelioma was linked to asbestos inhalation and ingestion. It took several years before a government agency imposed restrictions about the use of asbestos-and the mineral has been used in construction materials such as floor tiles. Only laboratory testing will prove the presence of asbestos, but these tiles that contain this mineral share specific characteristics. Here are a few ways to determine whether the tiles in your home contain hazardous asbestos fibers:
• If your tiles are colored black, gray, brown, or gray brown, there is a high chance that they contain asbestos. Asphalt and vinyl tiles that come in these colors are infused with asbestos fibers. Between these two kinds of tiles, the asphalt variety has the highest concentration of asbestos fibers, mainly because they used asphalt as the primary ingredient.
• It is important to determine the age of the flooring. You might want to be especially wary of this when you bought an older home. Because the presence of asbestos drives down the price of the home, the former owners might have removed all the insulation because this is one of the main usages of asbestos fibers. They might have overlooked the replacement of floor tiles. Asbestos was widely used in floor tiles, especially in the ones manufactured between 1920 and 1960. Older vinyl and asphalt flooring are made with asbestos-and these types of floor tiles usually come in nine-inch squares and are generally thicker than newer floor tiles.
• Aside from vinyl and asphalt tiles, sheet linoleum-especially those manufactured before the 1980's-is also known to contain asbestos. Sheet linoleum is attached to the concrete floor by an adhesive, which also contains this hazardous material. If the house you are living in right now is constructed in the decades mentioned above and all the flooring is original, you and your family might be at risk of asbestos exposure.
• If you suspect that your tiles contain asbestos, do not try to remove it by yourself-even to extract a small sample to send to a testing laboratory. Contact a licensed asbestos removal company so they can inspect your tiles. Sawing, scraping, or cutting through the floor tiles might release asbestos fibers into the air if you do it by yourself. Professional asbestos removers have the technical knowledge and equipment to perform the job properly.

Are Asbestos Fibers Visible to the Eye?

If you are in the construction business or employed by an industry that uses products containing asbestos, you may wonder "Are asbestos fibers visible to the eye"? Generally asbestos fibers are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it has broken down into small fibers and is inhaled. It is nearly impossible to detect the presence of asbestos without taking the material to a lab for testing. A lab technician will put the material under a microscope to search for asbestos fibers. Asbestos does not cause an immediate reaction. It will not cause you to cough, sneeze, or your eyes to water. You cannot see, smell, or taste asbestos. If you skin becomes contaminated with asbestos it will not burn or itch.
Asbestos related diseases have a very long latency period. This is the time frame from when you are first exposed to asbestos until you become ill. Most persons do not become ill for at least ten years after exposure and some not until over forty years later. Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are all asbestos related diseases. Asbestosis occurs when asbestos fibers enter the lungs. The body will naturally produce an acid to combat the fibers. However, this acid can cause scarring in the tissue of the lungs and in advanced stages breathing becomes more difficult and painful. Asbestosis was first documented in shipyard workers. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer. If a person smokes and is exposed to asbestos, they have a much greater chance of developing lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that has only been linked to asbestos exposure. It is a cancer of the cells that line the peritoneum (area surrounding the abdominal organs) and the pleura (area outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs).
There is a lot of debate and controversy surrounding which types of asbestos is harmful. Some types of asbestos are thought to be more dangerous than others but all types of asbestos exposure should be avoided. Actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, chrysotile (white asbestos), and tremolite are all types of asbestos. Chrysotile is the type of asbestos most commonly used in manufacturing products.
Asbestos fibers are not visible to the eye. If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos, the most common method for testing is a chest x-ray. The x-ray will not show the asbestos fibers but it can spot early signs of lung disease. There is no known cure for asbestos related diseases.