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AsbestosTrouble.com is a
community-based non-affiliated site devoted to answering basic
questions about Asbestos. We do not sell any products. Please use
the research we've gathered here with our hopes that if you've encountered Asbestos
Trouble, this site will help you attack it.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a name for a set of naturally-occurring silicate mineral
fibers. As early as the 1930's, Asbestos was mined and used for
or added to building materials to reinforce them, provide insulation and fire
resistance. More recently, it has been discovered that prolonged
exposure to airborne asbestos particles causes serious illness. It
has been regulated by the EPA and builders have curbed their use of
asbestos, particularly in dangerous situations, and all asbestos
products sold today must be clearly marked.
However, the new regulations are a fairly recent phenomenon.
Particularly in buildings built before 1970, asbestos was used
fairly extensively in everything from flooring to pipe insulation.
Thanks to its inexpensive durability, insulation properties, and
fire resistance, Asbestos has been used in more then 3,600
commercial building products, according to a 1990 EPA study. This
site simplifies matters for you: we cover
asbestos health problems,
where to look for asbestos,
how to identify it, and
legal options for asbestos exposure
victims.
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Is all asbestos dangerous?
No. In fact, when asbestos is in good condition, it's not an
immediate risk (but should be regularly monitored). Asbestos
particles are dangerous: when Asbestos becomes "friable"
(meaning that it can be easily broken apart by hand) then the
microscopic particles become airborne and enter the lungs. Because
of their size and shape, the particles remain airborne for a long
time and are easily ingested into the lungs or stomach. Therefore,
older, fraying asbestos or damaged asbestos is particularly
dangerous.
What's on this site?
Aside from the Asbestos basics, you can also find:
Have more questions that you think we should add?
Email us
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