The Pros & Cons of Asbestos

Asbestos refers to several fibrous silicate minerals that have been used in construction since the late 1800s. The most commonly used type of asbestos is chrysotile, which is also known as white asbestos. Chrysotile comprises about 90 percent to 95 percent of asbestos found in buildings in the United States. Asbestos has several desirable properties that led to its widespread use in construction. However, exposure to asbestos is associated with several negative health outcomes that have led to some regulations regarding its use.

Pro: Strength

• Asbestos fibers are particularly strong, possessing a tensile strength that is greater than that of steel. This strength makes asbestos an attractive option for construction of weight-bearing building components. Asbestos has thus been commonly used in drywall and joint compounds and in the construction of ceilings, roofs, floor tiles and pipes. It is still occasionally used as an additive to reinforce the strength of roads.

Pro: Insulative Properties

• One of the primary advantages of using asbestos is its strong insulative properties. Asbestos fibers can be used to insulate from heat, flame and electricity. Asbestos insulation has been commonly used for building insulation, vehicle brakes, shipbuilding and railway construction. Asbestos may also be combined with more insulative products to create exceedingly strong, insulative compounds.

Pro: Heat and Chemical Resistance

• Asbestos is resistant to heat and resistant to the activities of most chemicals, as it is chemically inert. This property led to use of asbestos in the composition of gas masks, fire blankets, fire doors and fireproof clothing for firefighters.

Con: Lung Cancer

• People who have experienced a great deal of exposure to asbestos over time have a much higher risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare variety of cancer that typically develops on the outer lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma tends to develop as a result of asbestos fibers becoming lodged in the lungs. Increased rates of other lung cancers are also associated with asbestos exposure.

Con: Asbestosis

• Another lung disease associated with asbestos exposure is asbestosis. This is a noncancerous disease that results from irritation, inflammation and scarring caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. The primary symptom of asbestos is a chronic shortness of breath.

Con: Other Cancers

• Several forms of cancer other than lung cancer are also associated with asbestos exposure. Associations have been reported between asbestos and gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. Some studies have also linked asbestos exposure to kidney, brain and bladder cancers, although other studies have detected no causal associations with these types of cancer.