What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the name given to several naturally occurring minerals that are
used in insulation and many other products. The three most common types of
asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Chrysotile is known as white
asbestos and is the most common. Asbestos can only be identified under a microscope.
Why is asbestos a hazard?
Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that become airborne when disturbed,
and can then be inhaled into the lungs. There is no safe level of exposure,
but the more and longer the exposure, the greater the risk of disease.
These diseases include:
Asbestos does not cause headaches, sore muscles, or other immediate symptoms. As described
above, the effects often go unnoticed for many years.
When is asbestos a hazard?
Asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos is maintained in good condition, it is
recommended that it be left alone. Only when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or the
materials become damaged does it become a health hazard.
The term "friable" is used to describe asbestos that can be crushed into dust by hand pressure. "Non-
friable" means a material that is too hard to be crushed into dust by hand. Examples of non-friable
products are asbestos-cement siding and floor tiles. Grinding, sanding, or dry-buffing can cause non-
friable asbestos to become friable and airborne, and therefore hazardous.
It should be noted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does NOT track the manufacture,
processing, or distribution of asbestos-containing products. Consumers should be aware of this and
ask about the presence or absence of asbestos in particular products.
For more information visit the EPA asbestos website.
Or, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.
Asbestos is the name given to several naturally occurring minerals that are
used in insulation and many other products. The three most common types of
asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Chrysotile is known as white
asbestos and is the most common. Asbestos can only be identified under a microscope.
Why is asbestos a hazard?
Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that become airborne when disturbed,
and can then be inhaled into the lungs. There is no safe level of exposure,
but the more and longer the exposure, the greater the risk of disease.
These diseases include:
- Asbestosis - A lung disease first found in shipyard workers. As asbestos fibers are inhaled,
they become trapped in the lung tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers by producing an
acid. This acid, due to the chemical resistance of the fiber, does little to damage the fiber, but
may scar the surrounding tissue. Eventually, this scarring may become so severe that the lungs
cannot function. The latency period (the time it takes for the disease to develop) is often 25-40
years. - Mesothelioma - This form of cancer is unusual because the only known cause is asbestos
exposure. The latency period for mesothelioma is often 15-30 years. - Lung Cancer - The effects of lung cancer caused by asbestos are often greatly increased by
cigarette smoking. The latency period for cancer is often 15-30 years.
Asbestos does not cause headaches, sore muscles, or other immediate symptoms. As described
above, the effects often go unnoticed for many years.
When is asbestos a hazard?
Asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos is maintained in good condition, it is
recommended that it be left alone. Only when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or the
materials become damaged does it become a health hazard.
The term "friable" is used to describe asbestos that can be crushed into dust by hand pressure. "Non-
friable" means a material that is too hard to be crushed into dust by hand. Examples of non-friable
products are asbestos-cement siding and floor tiles. Grinding, sanding, or dry-buffing can cause non-
friable asbestos to become friable and airborne, and therefore hazardous.
It should be noted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does NOT track the manufacture,
processing, or distribution of asbestos-containing products. Consumers should be aware of this and
ask about the presence or absence of asbestos in particular products.
For more information visit the EPA asbestos website.
Or, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.
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Asbestos
| Asbestos on an old heating duct. |
