At Home
While most cases of asbestos exposure occur in the workplace, some happen in the places where people feel safest – their own homes.
Because asbestos was widely used in insulation and as fireproofing prior to the mid-1970s, older homes often contain asbestos. It has also been widely used in other building materials, such as shingles, ceiling tiles, siding, pipe insulation, paint and patching compounds, and flooring.
When these materials are disturbed during repair, remodeling, or demolition, fine asbestos particles can be released into the air and inhaled or ingested, setting the stage for development of mesothelioma.
Trained, accredited asbestos inspectors can examine the materials in a home and determine if asbestos is present. Specialized asbestos contractors can then seal, cover, or remove it, if necessary. In many cases, asbestos-containing material that is in good condition, and will not be disturbed, is best left alone.
Asbestos can also be brought into the home or a vehicle by people who are exposed on the job, as the dust can cling to hair, skin, and clothing. By carrying these particles into their homes and vehicles, workers are often unwittingly subjecting their families to potentially deadly secondary exposure by transferring the fibers onto furniture, carpets, laundry, or even through close personal contact.