Is Asbestos Siding Dangerous?

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Is Asbestos Siding Dangerous?

Asbestos in any form is dangerous when a person is exposed to significant amounts of the substance. It can increase the chances of lung cancer, mesothelioma and nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, which include asbestosis, pleural plaques, pleural thickening and pleural effusions. However, these more severe cases are typically the cause of exposure over a number of years, and with people who live near or work in asbestos mines.

When Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos is dangerous when it becomes airborne and is breathed in or when it gets into the water system.

Friable ACM

This type is the most dangerous form of asbestos. Since you can easily crush a piece of this in your hand, the particles become airborne quickly.

Category 1 Nonfriable ACM

Since this type is not as easily broken down, it is not as dangerous as friable ACM. But over time, it becomes frail and can fracture, causing the particles to be airborne.

Category 2 Nonfriable ACM

This type is the least dangerous since it has to be physically torn for the particles to become airborne.

Proper Handling

Chances are your local government requires you to have a licensed professional remove your asbestos siding. Qualified professionals should wear full-body Tyvek suits and haul the asbestos to specified dump sites that specialize in dangerous materials. Contact your local government to find out the proper way of handling this.