Asbestos Siding Is It Dangerous

In fact both osha and the epa concur that asbestos is not dangerous unless airborne.

Asbestos siding is it dangerous.

And make no mistake asbestos is dangerous. Asbestos siding is composed of asbestos fibers mixed with portland cement. Asbestos cement siding is very brittle and can be easily chipped cracked or broken. It also can be extremely dangerous if the siding is broken up and asbestos fibers are released into the air.

While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. If an asbestos ceiling tile is drilled or broken for example it may release fibers into the air. It s pretty serious but according to health canada one of the world s leading sources of unbiased information on the subject if. Chrysotile asbestos a less toxic form comprises over 90 of all the asbestos used in the us.

Asbestos containing ceiling tiles floor tiles undamaged laboratory cabinet tops shingles fire doors siding shingles etc. The reported costs for such projects range from 500 to 4 500 while the typical cost for asbestos siding removal is generally between 1 000 and 2 500. These fibers are so small they can remain airborne for days after they were initially disturbed. While airborne individuals can breathe these fibers in.

Asbestos siding is far less dangerous due to the fact that it installed outside and very few fibers are released even when siding shingles crack and break. Asbestos is dangerous because it has the ability to break down into microscopically thin fibers. If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. The use of a pressure washer for maintenance can crack the siding and lead to moisture intrusion if the pressure setting is high enough.

Asbestos siding removal isn t free but if you re having it replaced with something else you just might be able to get a good deal with the company you end up choosing. Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc. Care and proper procedures should always be taken during removal and disposal but in general asbestos siding ranks very low on the list of materials that contain asbestos as far as danger. Even a single airborne fiber of the most dangerous types of asbestos can eventually cause a particular form of lung cancer if inhaled.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that has been mined and used in various applications for over 4 000 years with most applications and industrial uses of it beginning in the 1800s. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. Since the fibers are so small they can travel deep into a person s lungs where they may. This form of asbestos is not nearly as persistent in lung tissue and low level intermittent exposure is not considered to be a health risk to a healthy person.

It is very brittle and has a tendency to crack and break when nailed which can release asbestos fibers into both the air and ground.