Question 1

lived in a house with my family for two years with broken asbestos tiles and i broke some up with a hammer not knowing. are we at risk now? scared.

Accepted Answer

Smokers higher risk: The risks are greater for asbestos exposure problems in people who are also smokers, and of course in people who are inhaling fibers on a regular basis due to their work.  This article from Oregon State University may help you to evaluate your personal risk: http://oregonstate.edu/ehs/asb-when

Question 2

cut into asbestos tile and linoleum with a circular saw on two separate occasions.what are my chances of getting mesothelioma in the future?

Accepted Answer

Pretty low, if: these were the only two episodes of exposure.  Most of victims of mesothelioma had repeated exposure in their occupations.  But you should get an asbestos professional with proper equipment to do this type of work.

Question 3

what to do if i broke a single asbestos floor tile, should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

No: The idea that "even one asbestos fiber is intolerable" from the 1990's was politics rather than science. We all need to get used to living in a world in which intimitesimal risks can't be eliminated.

Question 4

how long does asbestos stay airborne in a home from broken tiles? and are they only a danger to you if they were sanded?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos: Hard to say. Asbestos doesn't break down.  Inhaled sanded particles containing asbestos is worse however you can be exposed still by anything containing it. Best to have a specialist remove it all.  Hope this helps

Question 5

what is asbestos?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos: Is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials.

Question 6

how bad is asbestos?

Accepted Answer

Leave it be: If there's asbestos in your home or school, don't stir it up and it won't hurt you.  Inhaled at work, it is extremely dangerous, causing lung fibrosis, classic lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Tiny exposures won't hurt you, but the massive amounts that rotten corporations forced ordinary people to inhale in the past are now killing them.

Question 7

why is asbestos so bad?

Accepted Answer

Over hyped: Long term (many years) exposure to airborne asbestos can lead to chronic lung disease and a rare tumor: mesothelioma.  Most asbestos is used in insulation and is best handled by covering with paint.  However, the legal underpinnings have convinced the public that if they get within 100 yards of asbestos, that they are at risk - so we spend $$$$$ to remove it.  Only bad when released to the air.

Question 8

is asbestos really bad?

Accepted Answer

Yes: In the old days, companies allowed workers to inhale a lot of the stuff and there's no question these caused fibrosis of the lungs ("asbestosis"), mesothelioma, and common lung cancer. The 1980s hoopla over asbestos in buildings where it's not being inhaled was driven by big-money and politics as even the epa eventually recognized. Avoid inhaling the stuff and you should be fine.

Question 9

how harmful is asbestos?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the type.: The are various types of asbestos, depending on the chemical makeup and fiber size/shape. Some types seem to be more harmful than others, but all types should be considered harmful and carcinogenic.  Asbestos can cause serious lung disease (asbestosis) or deadly cancer of the lung or abdomen (mesothelioma).  Smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly raises the lung cancer risk.

Question 10

what exactly is 'asbestos'?

Accepted Answer

Natural rocks: Asbestos is a type of soft rock. There are many types of naturally occurring asbestos, and they are used in many commercial applications. Unfortunately, fibers of asbestos can get into our lungs and digestive tract and cause problems. You can learn more here-  http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp.asp?id=30&amp;tid=4

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Doctor answers about:

Asbestos tile

A member asked:

Lived in a house with my family for two years with broken asbestos tiles and i broke some up with a hammer not knowing. are we at risk now? scared.

A member asked:

Cut into asbestos tile and linoleum with a circular saw on two separate occasions.what are my chances of getting mesothelioma in the future?

A member asked:

What to do if i broke a single asbestos floor tile, should i be concerned?

A member asked:

How long does asbestos stay airborne in a home from broken tiles? and are they only a danger to you if they were sanded?

A member asked:

What is asbestos?

A member asked:

How bad is asbestos?

A member asked:

Why is asbestos so bad?

A member asked:

Is asbestos really bad?

A member asked:

How harmful is asbestos?

A member asked:

What exactly is 'asbestos'?

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