How do you know if you have asbestos in your home? Asbestos is one air contaminant that has been found in the indoor air of homes in Minnesota. Exposure to asbestos fibers will cause future health problems. If asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, it can have affects on your health which may not appear till many years later.

Long term inhalation of these very fine fibers can cause coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, emphysema and lung cancer.

Asbestos was used because of its durability, heat resistance, flexibility and its ability to withstand stress. Products that may contain asbestos especially in homes built before 1980, are: fireproof fabrics, roofing, floor tile (especially 12 inch tile), siding, appliances, patching compound and insulation for pipes.

Not all asbestos-containing products are hazardous. If asbestos containing materials are in good condition and are not disturbed, exposure to asbestos is unlikely. It is when the asbestos fibers are released that there is a health risk.

If you are not sure if a product has asbestos, the manufacturer of the product may be able to provide information on the asbestos content of their product. Trade people like plumbing and heating contractors should also be able to identify asbestos in building materials, especially based on the age and location of a building.

If you suspect you may have asbestos in your home and feel it could be hazardous, samples may be sent to private labs for testing.

If large amounts of asbestos are to be removed, it is required by Federal regulations to notify the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Further information is available at your local county extension office.

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