Should I be concerned about asbestos in my home?

Asbestos is a fiber that has been used in insulation and fireproofing materials. EPA has banned many asbestos products. Many companies have also cut down on their use of asbestos. Today, asbestos is most often found in:

• older homes (in building, pipe, and insulation materials)
• textured paints
• floor tiles

The most dangerous asbestos fibers are too small to see. After they are inhaled, they can remain and build up in the lungs. Asbestos can cause:

• lung cancer
• lung scarring (asbestosis)
• cancer of the chest and stomach lining (mesothelioma)

Symptoms of these problems do not show up until many years after a person is exposed. Most people with asbestos-related problems were exposed to high levels on their job. Or they were exposed when family members brought asbestos home on their clothing from job sites.

If asbestos fibers are disturbed or damaged, levels can increase in the home. For your safety, have these asbestos fibers safely removed. But if you think your home may have asbestos, don't try to remove it yourself. It may be best to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone. Fibers are not a danger unless they are released and inhaled into the lungs. If asbestos materials are damaged or you disturb them, have them removed by a trained person. Choose a contractor only after talking about the problems in your home and the steps the contractor will take to clean up or remove the asbestos. You may want to think about sealing off the materials containing asbestos instead of removing them. Call EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Hotline at (202) 554-1404 for help.