Asbestos Found in Roofing Shingles

If you live in a house that was built before 1980s, it is more than likely that your roofing shingles are made of asbestos. And asbestos is friable, as we know very well now, and contaminates the air with floating fibers that cause deadly diseases when inhaled. For more than 100 years, asbestos was a favored material in the building industry. While new materials free from asbestos are being used today, those living in older houses have to address the matter of existing asbestos products in their homes.

Asbestos Exposure from Roofing Shingles

The intention of using roofs made with asbestos or transite roofing shingles, commonly called "asbestos roofs," was simple. Asbestos was cost effective, durable, and fire retardant, as well as corrosion and rot-resistant. Such a roof would remain intact for 100 years or more. Though classified as "asbestos containing materials," or ACM, these shingles contained less than 30 percent asbestos fibers as the asbestos was mixed with Portland cement and other fibers and materials. The material was easy to shape, drill holes, and align to make the desired designs. Remaining intact, these shingles do no harm; it is only when one gets broken or damaged that the fibers get released into the air and cause harm.

Roofing Shingles Containing Asbestos Fibers

Asbestos fibers are friable and easily disintegrate to float in the air around. When inhaled, some fibers lodge in the linings of the vital organs and cause irritation that leads to inflammation. A prolonged gestation period ends in symptoms that eventually spell malignancy. The disease called mesothelioma has no known cure and doctors simply adopt a palliative approach. The knowledge causes panic, and it is imperative that asbestos in any form be removed from buildings dating from the period before 1980.

Removing asbestos contained roofing shingles

Knowing the dangers of asbestos roofing shingles now as we do, a lot of demolition and replacement is going on in homes that belong to that era. The job is necessary and unavoidable but carries the risk of releasing more dust in the process and posing a risk for the workers engaged in the task. It is essential, therefore, to take precautions such as wearing the right gear at the job. This includes respirators and disposable overalls for the men at work and disposal of debris according to EPA guidelines.

In addition, you must also be aware of the early signs and symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestosis, so that you can seek expert help at the first indications.