When we hear about asbestos today, it’s often in a cautionary context, but its widespread use decades ago left a lasting footprint on our environment. Many are unaware of where asbestos still lurks and the severe health risks associated with exposure, particularly asbestosis—a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Here, we’ll explore what asbestos is, where it’s commonly and uncommonly found, and how exposure to it can lead to serious lung damage.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals composed of fine, durable fibers that are heat-resistant, fireproof, and effective insulators. These properties made asbestos highly desirable for construction, automotive, and even household products throughout much of the 20th century. The problem is that, when inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause long-term damage to lung tissue. Despite efforts to limit its use, asbestos remains in many places, especially in older buildings and industrial products.

Common Places and Products Where Asbestos Is Found

Although many countries have banned or limited asbestos use, it’s still found in various products and structures, especially those built or manufactured before the 1980s. Here are some of the most common locations and products containing asbestos:

• Older Buildings: Asbestos was heavily used in the construction industry, making buildings, especially those built before the 1980s, a common source of asbestos exposure. It can be found in:
  
  
  
  • Insulation for pipes, boilers, and electrical wiring
  
  
  • Roofing materials, shingles, and siding
  
  
  • Floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and adhesives
  
  
  • Wall and ceiling plasters
  
  
  
  


• Automotive Parts: Due to its heat-resistant properties, asbestos was commonly used in vehicle parts, especially in brake pads, clutches, gaskets, and hood liners.


• Shipbuilding: Asbestos was used extensively in shipbuilding for insulation, cement, and other materials used in ships’ construction.


• Textiles and Protective Gear: Many fire-resistant textiles, including fireproof blankets and heat-resistant gloves, contained asbestos fibers, posing a risk to people in specific trades.

Uncommon Places and Products Where Asbestos Can Be Found

While many are aware of asbestos in construction, there are some surprising and lesser-known places where asbestos might still be present:

• Household Products: Before asbestos was banned for many uses, it was sometimes included in products like hairdryers (as insulation material), older irons, toasters, and cement garden pots.


• Cosmetic Products: In rare cases, talc-based products like certain cosmetic powders have been found to contain asbestos. This happens because talc and asbestos are often mined close together, leading to potential contamination. Read more about asbestos in makeup and recent lawsuits.


• Soil and Natural Deposits: Certain regions have natural deposits of asbestos, meaning the surrounding soil may contain asbestos fibers. Construction or natural disasters in these areas can disturb the ground, releasing fibers into the air.


• Schools and Public Buildings: Many public buildings, including schools built before the 1980s, still contain asbestos in flooring, ceiling tiles, and insulation, putting children and staff at risk if the asbestos-containing materials are disturbed.

The Damage of Asbestosis to the Lungs

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs. Unlike other particles that our body can expel, asbestos fibers are not easily broken down or expelled by the lungs. Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and scarring of lung tissue, which leads to asbestosis, a progressive lung disease. 

How asbestosis affects lung health:

• Scarring and Fibrosis.


• Reduced Oxygen Absorption.


• Chronic Respiratory Symptoms.


• Increased Risk of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma..

Reducing the Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Since asbestos is often found in older buildings, anyone undertaking renovation or demolition work should take precautions to avoid exposure. Here are a few essential safety tips:

1. Professional Inspections: Before disturbing any materials in a building constructed before the 1980s, consider a professional asbestos inspection.


2. Protective Equipment: If you work in a trade that may expose you to asbestos, always wear recommended protective equipment, including masks and gloves.


3. Avoid DIY Removal: Attempting to remove asbestos-containing materials without proper training and equipment can release harmful fibers. Always use licensed professionals for removal.

Asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases highlight the importance of awareness and caution when dealing with materials that may contain asbestos. While regulations have reduced asbestos use, it remains in many homes, workplaces, and products. Knowing where asbestos may be found and how it affects lung health is essential for protecting yourself and others from its dangers.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos or are experiencing respiratory symptoms, consider consulting a healthcare professional to discuss potential screenings and preventive steps. At Breathe and Sleep our asbestos diagnosis and treatment clinic is here to provide thorough evaluations and support for those at risk.