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Signs of Asbestos

Long term exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, other cancers and asbestosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Unfortunately, asbestos was once a common construction material and can be found in over 5,000 different products. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, it is impossible to look at an item and know that it contains asbestos. Nevertheless, familiarity with the common warning signs can signal the need to investigate potential sources of asbestos before serious exposure occurs.

  1. Flooring

    • Floor tiles that are sized 9 by 9, 12 by 12 or fixed to the flooring with black adhesive should all be presumed to contain asbestos if they were installed before 1981, according to OSHA -- resilient flooring products are the most likely building item to contain asbestos, says NC Office of State Personnel. Floor tiles containing asbestos are identified by their size. OSHA identifies asphalt, rubber and vinyl tiles produced before 1981 as likely to contain asbestos. These tiles were manufactured in two sizes: 9 by 9 squares or 12 by 12 squares. Sheet vinyl floor tiles, which have never contained asbestos, were manufactured as 6 by 12 tiles. However, even if these tiles do not contain asbestos, OSHA warns that it is possible asbestos was used in the production of adhesive materials used in flooring. Cutback adhesives containing asbestos are black.

    Deterioration

    • Asbestos is often found in thermal insulation and surfacing materials installed prior to 1981, according to NC Office of State Personnel. Any visible signs of deterioration could signal a hazard and OSHA recommends that these signs be presumed as asbestos-containing materials. Cracked, gouged or otherwise damaged wall surfaces suggest an asbestos threat. Peeling paint is another warning sign. If a wall is missing sections of laminate or the sheet wall laminate is disturbed, the area should be treated with caution. A visible accumulation of dust around damaged walls or exposed insulation is also a sign that asbestos fibers are slowly being released into the area. Any of these signs of deterioration demonstrate that asbestos exposure is likely and these surrounding materials should be treated.

    Symptoms

    • Health symptoms caused by exposure to asbestos often do not develop until years after the initial contact. However, some short term symptoms can develop and signal the presence of asbestos. According to the Cleveland Clinic, shortness of breath, a patterned cough, pain in the chest and difficulty swallowing are all potential signs of asbestos exposure. While these symptoms are common, if they appear to be triggered by a certain building or area built before 1981, they may be warning signs for asbestos.

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