Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber which is fire resistant and not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes. Asbestos has been used in a wide variety of products because of the fire resistant and also the sound deadening properties which it possesses. Among the common home uses of asbestos were electrical insulation in appliances, pipe insulating coverings, roofing materials, siding materials, ceiling or floor tile and drywall paste.

In order for asbestos to be a health hazard, the fibers must be inhaled. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers may become lodged in lung tissue and after many years a form of cancer may develop. There are other respiratory problems that can also occur after a long period of time. Usually the exposure must have occurred over a long period of time and the level of asbestos fibers must have been very high in order to cause problems. Everyone has been exposed to asbestos fibers in the normal environment but these exposures have been at low concentrations. Few people that have been exposed to low concentrations of asbestos ever develop any related health problems. However, smokers do have a much higher risk factor at all levels of exposure than do non-smokers.

In most cases, asbestos containing materials should be left undisturbed. Remember, only the inhaled fibers pose the health risk. If it becomes necessary, due to deterioration of the material, to remove materials suspected of containing asbestos the material should be checked by a certified laboratory to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos. Any asbestos containing material should be removed by qualified personnel.

The University Hygienic Laboratory provides analytical services for material and air samples. Certification for removal personnel and contracting firms is maintained by the Iowa Division of Labor and all questions concerning removal procedures should be addressed to them.