Fact Sheet For Asbestos Roofing
Asbestos, a mineral known for its fibrous structure, was once valued highly as a durable building material. Until the 1970s, it was used in a variety of purposes, including roofing. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Builders began using asbestos in the 1880s and continued to use it until the 1970s, when it was proven to significantly increase the risk of a rare cancer known as mesothelioma.
Concerns with Asbestos Roofing
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Although asbestos has become an unsettling word, asbestos roofing is not actually dangerous unless the asbestos is labeled as "friable." This state only occurs when the shingles are broken or falling apart, allowing the asbestos particles to be released and enter the stomach or lungs.
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Asbestos in Other Places
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While asbestos roofing is not always dangerous, a home that has an asbestos roof is likely to have it in other places as well, including siding, tiling and insulation.
Maintaining or Removing an Asbestos Roof
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Maintenance or removal of an asbestos roof can be both costly and time consuming. However, it may be done safely if workers follow OSHA's requirements for safe handling of asbestos.
Health Problems with Asbestos Roofing
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People who have had prolonged exposure to asbestos roofing or other products should be aware of the common signs of developing mesothelioma, which include coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fluid in the lungs and abdominal or chest pain.
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