Why is asbestos a problem?
Due to its fire resistance and durability, asbestos was extensively utilized in various industries, including electrical, building, and construction, from the 1930s to the 1970s. Consequently, asbestos can still be present in many structures today, as the 1989 Asbestos Ban did not completely eliminate its usage. However, due to its toxic nature, authorities are progressively reducing the presence of asbestos in the market.
Understanding Asbestos Exposure
When asbestos reaches a state where it can crumble easily, known as being "friable," the fibers become a significant health risk when people breathe them in. As mentioned before, asbestos is predominantly found in building and construction materials. Examples of such materials are:
Roofing shingles
Vinyl, ceramic, or linoleum flooring materials
Pipes coated in asbestos or other asbestos-containing material
Wall and attic insulation that was produced with vermiculite
Surfaces lined with asbestos paper
