How Harmful Is Asbestos Siding

Our answer first off don t panic.

How harmful is asbestos siding. Asbestos cement can be dangerous if pulverized by sawing sanding breaking etc. It is very brittle and has a tendency to crack and break when nailed which can release asbestos fibers into both the air and ground. Exposure to and breathing asbestos fibers can result in lung problems and cancer. Asbestos contained in siding known as cement asbestos is far less of a risk than when used in other applications as the asbestos fibers are bound within the siding s cement composition and can not be easily released into the air.

The general impression of asbestos has changed over time so that many people now wrongly assuming that it is a highly dangerous toxic substance that must be immediately removed. If asbestos remains intact in siding insulation popcorn ceilings or other materials it poses no risk and is not dangerous. It s pretty serious but according to health canada one of the world s leading sources of unbiased information on the subject if asbestos fibres are enclosed or tightly bound in a product for example in asbestos siding or asbestos floor tiles there are no significant health risks. Unlike wood which can be sanded down repainted and refinished asbestos siding cannot.

If you suspect that your siding may contain asbestos there is no need for alarm. It s difficult to find replacement siding for worn down areas and many people consider it inherently unattractive. Asbestos is only dangerous when cut sawn or broken into small enough pieces so that asbestos fibers are sent into the air. Read more about it in the sections below.

Asbestos cement siding can also negatively impact the resale value of your home because of the way it looks. While older homes will likely contain asbestos in roofing insulation and tiles it can also be present in exterior siding. It can cause cancer if airborne if the fibers become airborne inhalation of the fibers can cause cancer. With the pros being mentioned about asbestos siding it s also important to mention the cons since there s a reason why the material was banned in many countries.

Asbestos only poses a health risk when the fibers are airborne and friable which in the case of asbestos siding only occurs if the siding is actively sawed or broken into many smaller pieces. It is difficult. Asbestos ranks high on the list of dangerous substances because of its toxic and carcinogenic properties when airborne.