Is asbestos dangerous?

Yes, especially if it is damaged. If so, why? Damaged or old asbestos can easily crumble and the needle-like fibers can become airborne. It's easy to inhale these fibers. The fibers will lodge in the pleura (lining of the lungs) or other parts of your body and can cause scarring and other problems.

Where might I come into contact with asbestos?

Asbestos can be present in many products produced before the asbestos warnings of the 1970s, including insulation, drywall tape, gaskets, brake shoes, certain household products, and more. These may still be in your home or your workplace.

What kinds of products have asbestos in them?

It is believed that in decades past, up to 5,000 consumer products contained asbestos, including insulation products, drywall tape, gaskets, fertilizer, hair dryers, toasters, coffee pots, irons and ironing board covers, wood-burning stoves, electric blankets, and many more. You may still own some of these products.

What should I do if I think I have asbestos in my home?

Am I in danger? If you think you have asbestos in your home, you should call a licensed asbestos removal company to test your air quality. If the air quality is less than satisfactory, the asbestos should be removed. Usually, if the asbestos is not damaged and is left alone, it will not pose a health hazard.

How might I be exposed to asbestos fibers?

Asbestos can enter the environment from weathered natural mineral deposits and fiber releases arising from man made asbestos products. Asbestos may be found in products like floor tiles, roof shingles, cement, and automotive brakes. Electrical, plumbing, acoustical, and structural insulation applications are also very common. Asbestos fibers are released into the air when these products are disturbed. It can be accidentally swallowed or inhaled.

What are molds?

Molds are types of fungi. They grow in the natural environment. Tiny particles of molds are found everywhere in indoor and outdoor air. In nature, molds help break down dead materials, and can be found growing on soil, foods, plants and other items. Molds are also very common in buildings and homes. Mold needs moisture to grow. Indoors, mold growth can be found where humidity levels are high, like basements and showers. Molds produce microscopic cells called "spores" that are spread easily through the air. Spores can also be spread by water and insects. Live spores act like seeds, forming new mold colonies when they find the right conditions.

Should I be worried about mold in my home?

Yes and no. On the one hand, there will always be mold in your home in the form of spores and pieces of mold cells. The presence of mold in the air is normal. On the other hand, one should not let mold grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, your level of exposure can increase, thereby increasing the risk of potential health problems. Building materials, household goods and furnishings may also be damaged. Mold needs to eat to survive, and it's perfectly happy eating your home if you allow it.

What health problems can be caused by mold?

There are four kinds of health problems that come from exposure to mold: allergic illness, irritant effects, infection, and toxic effects. For people that are sensitive to molds, symptoms such as nasal and sinus irritation or congestion, dry hacking cough, wheezing, skin rashes or burning, watery or reddened eyes may occur. People with severe allergies to molds may have more serious reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms or shortness of breath. People with chronic illnesses or people with immune system problems may be more likely to get infections from certain molds, viruses and bacteria. Molds can also trigger asthma attacks in persons with asthma. Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds and body aches and pains are sometimes reported in mold complaints, but the causes of these physical symptoms are not yet understood. The toxic effects of certain molds are not well understood, and are currently a controversial topic in the medical and scientific community. There is evidence of specific long-term toxic effects from eating foods with mold toxins. Unfortunately, very little is known regarding the actual health risks from breathing in or skin contact with mold toxins. Allergic disease is now considered the most likely health problem related to mold exposures. Research into the possible health effects related to mold exposure continues today.

How can I be exposed to mold?

Mold is virtually everywhere, floating in the air and on all surfaces. People are exposed to molds 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Exposures increase when indoor moldy materials becomes dried, damaged or disturbed, causing spores and other mold cells to be released into the air and then inhaled. Elevated exposure can also occur if people directly handle moldy materials or accidentally eat mold.

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

Some types of molds can produce chemicals called "mycotoxins". These molds are common, and are sometimes referred to as "toxic mold". There are very few reports that "toxic molds" inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions. If you think you have a mold problem in your home, you do not need to find out what type of mold you may have. All molds should be treated the same when it comes to health risks and removal. All indoor mold growth should be removed promptly, no matter what type(s) of mold is present, or whether or not it can produce mycotoxins.