Three different houses I was involved in this past month had asbestos -containing materials used in their construction. These included siding, asbestos-wrapped heating ducts, and vermiculite insulation in the attic. Despite the fear struck in many people’s nerves when the “A-word” is mentioned, all three situations were managed and the buyers and sellers moved forward with confidence. Let’s take a quick look at this material, what it means to a homeowner, and how to manage it.
Asbestos is a group of minerals with microscopic, fibrous crystals. “Small” doesn’t convey the fibers’ miniscule size… we’re talking 1/18,000 of a human hair. A single asbestos fiber that falls from a ceiling can take most of the day to hit the floor. And these fibers are tough! They withstand heat, have high tensile strength yet are soft and pliant, resist chemical damage, and on and on. Ancient Greeks called asbestos the “miracle mineral.” But because of its small size and resistance to deterioration, when it gets inside human lungs in mass quantities, it can cause tumors, cancer, and ultimately death.
Don’t plan on running away from that 1925 Craftsman just yet, though. It’s estimated that EVERY human adult already has tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of asbestos fibers in every gram of dry lung tissue. And nearly every case of asbestos related illness involves a person occupationally exposed to high levels of the material.
Still, an ounce of prevention…
So if you do find you have some asbestos in the homestead, here’s what you can do:
Siding: Asbestos siding is perhaps the longest lasting siding material out there, and because it’s in a stable, solid state (and not “friable” or easily airborne) you can relax. Avoid sanding or cutting, keep the paint in good condition, and know that your house wears exceptionally long-lasting, quality cladding.
Vermiculite insulation: This is typically found in some older homes’ attics, and looks like small, shiny, lightweight rocks. Left alone and not disturbed, such as when it’s covered with fiberglass or cellulose, it’s not a threat. But shuffling it around or the disturbing it during the abatement process stirs up airborne fibers, and that’s when it becomes an issue.
Duct and pipe wrap: If it’s intact, it can be painted to encapsulate the fibers and avoid their becoming airborne. Damaged and friable, however, it’s usually best to have it abated.
Popcorn ceiling texture: Seen in pre-1980 homes, this funky, cobweb-catching “cottage cheese” on your ceiling may very well contain some of the “A-word.” It can be wetted, scraped, and properly disposed of by you the homeowner with proper permits (and instruction) secured… and your home’s next buyers will be glad it’s gone.
The Asbestos Authority…
If you suspect you may have some asbestos in your home, the place to start is the Northwest Clean Air Agency – the local authority on protocols and procedure. Contact them at 1-800-622-4627 or nwcleanair.org. For professional abatement (removal), contact Environmental Abatement Services at 360-755-1085.
