What about asbestos in and around your house?

Sunset, Sept, 1988

Stringent new standards for asbestos inspections in schools have brought the whole question of asbestos hazard's to everyone's attention. Now, homeowners and buyers and lenders-have begun focusing on potential problems, and the costs of solving them.

As a result, many homeowners are wondering whether they should take steps to remove all asbestos in their homes, however slight the amount.

In truth, the health hazards of low-level

exposure are still undetermined. Effects of the material on the human body take decades to become apparent. What we do know is summarized in the section, The health risk question, page 90.

But the problem takes on more significant if you're remodeling taking down a ceiling or wall, relaying a floor, moving a furnace, or extending ducts.

Coping with asbestos: 18 areas of concern around the home

The term asbestos refers to a group of minerals that can be separated into tiny fibers which are fire resistant and almost indestructible. In homes, the most widely used kind is chrysotile, or white asbestos. Other types include crocidolite, or blue asbestos, and amosite, or brown asbestos.

To find out what homeowners should or should not do about asbestos, we went to experts in the field-including health officials, asbestos removal firms, consultants, researchers, and lawmakers. The drawing above shows the commonest sources in tbe home, and the numbered list that follows gives advice on identifying and coping with the material in its various guises.

One point that all these experts agree on: it can be more hazardous to remove or repair asbestos improperly than to leave it alone. The other point they recommend: don't undertake a major repair-or removal-of asbestos-containing material on your own. Get professional help.

And your concern should be tempered, nevertheless, with the realization that you are unlikely to be exposed to even small doses unless the material is damaged or significantly disturbed-as during a remodel.

And the less crumbly the material, the less likely it is to pose a significant risk. For example, a hard transite (asbestos cement flue isn't likely to release fibers unless it's broken. In contrast, soft, easily damaged cellulose-asbestos duct insulation is more likely to become a risk.

In the following list, we discuss the common household sources of asbestos in descending order, starting with the potentially most hazardous. In general, you needn't have asbestos products removed immediately unless they are deteriorating. If the material is in good condition, it's unlikely that any fibers are being released. And even if it is deteriorating, remember that you can expose yourself and your family to greater amounts of asbestos if you try to remove it on your own, rather than leaving it in place.

In considering the potential risk, remember that our list is a rough guideline. The hazard posed by an asbestos-containing product is affected by how accessible it is in your house and by its condition.

For more information onasbestos in the home, contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission (with offices in Albuquerque, Denver, Honolulu, L.A., Phoenix, Portland, S.E, and Seattle). Federal and state agencies involved with asbestos (see box on page 86) may be able to give you some information, but they can't give specific advice on your situation. Local libraries are your best sources of detailed information.

1. Artificial ashes. Until banned in 1978, artificial logs for gas fireplaces (see 14) were sold with artificial ashes that were 90 to 100 percent asbestos. Since they're tiny flakes that release fibers easily, have them removed right away. 2. Asbestos heater ducts. In some areas, especially in Southern California, some houses have heater ducts made of a product that contains 35 to 90 percent asbestos. Looking like grayish corrugated cardboard, it is sometimes faced with thin foil. As ducts deteriorate, fibers may be blown into the house. (Also see items 6 and 10.)

3. Pipe or boiler insulation. Old radiant heating systems (such as steam heat with radiators) may have asbestos insulation on the pipes and/or boiler. Usually 35 to 90 percent asbestos, this kind of insulation can release asbestos if damaged.

4. Contaminated basement or crawl space. If you have deteriorating asbestos-containing material (such as damaged heater duct insulation), some of the material may drop to the basement floor or crawl space. If anyone walks through it or if children play in the area, this can be a hazard. Also, if you know or suspect that an old heating system was removed, check for bits of left-over asbestos insulation. Never sweep or use your shop or household vacuum on such material, since this makes the tiny fibers airborne. Let a trained professional remove it.

5. Asbestos inside beater registers. Convection and forced-air heating systems may have registers with asbestos taping inside, and occasionally asbestos paper around the outside, as pictured below. If this deteriorates, air blowing over the surface may release asbestos. With some registers, you may have to use a mirror to cheek the condition of the taping, which may extend far into the duct.