The Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos is not like most other minerals. Instead of turning to dust when it is crushed, it breaks up into tiny fibers, invisible to the naked eye. During processing and manufacturing, these fibers are typically bonded with other ingredients or encased in some manner, creating ACM (asbestos-containing materials). However, if the fibers are not bonded, they can hang suspended in the air for long periods and can easily be inhaled or ingested.

Once in the lungs, asbestos fibers can become embedded and cause scarring of the lungs or cancer. Because it is virtually indestructible, asbestos can remain in the lungs for an entire lifetime. Asbestos disease has a long latency period. It may take 15 to 45 years after exposure for an asbestos disease to develop.

As explained above, asbestos fibers usually are combined with other ingredients during processing and manufacturing. The resulting asbestos-containing materials, or ACM, normally do not pose a hazard. However, if these materials become damaged, they may release asbestos fibers into the air. Especially dangerous are "friable" ACM. Friable refers to a dry, crumbly state in which mere hand pressure can rupture the material and release asbestos fibers. Sprayed-on asbestos fireproofing material is generally considered friable.

Even materials that are considered non-friable-such as vinyl-asbestos floor tile or asbestos cement pipe-can release fibers into the air if they are cut, sawed, sanded, grinded, broken or crushed. This occurs often when buildings are demolished or renovated.