Asbestos is a mineral fiber commonly used in building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant.
Asbestos and Health Risks
Asbestos is still used in building products because of its insulation and chemical, fire, and heat-resistant characteristics. It is reported to exist in over 3,000 different building products. Asbestos has never been totally banned in home building products and so is found in buildings of any age, including new construction.
Common Illnesses
Breathing asbestos dust causes lung diseases like lung cancer and asbestosis. Asbestos is not a health risk unless it is disturbed. Improperly removing asbestos building materials before major renovations will contaminate the living space of your home and expose you and your family to asbestos.
Common Asbestos-Containing Building Materials
In Colorado, common home-building materials contain asbestos, including:
- Floor tile, linoleum, and related glue
- Drywall and ceiling textures, including “popcorn” or “cottage cheese” textures
- Drywall mud (also known as joint compound)
- Pipe, duct, and boiler insulations
- Vermiculite insulation
- Cement asbestos board shingles and siding
- Acoustic ceiling tile and plaster
- Wall packing
- Electrical wire insulation
- And many others
Renovation, Demolition, Water, and Fire Damage
Never try to remove or dispose of asbestos-containing building material yourself. Safe removal of asbestos building material requires refined skills and is regulated by CDPHE. Only a state-certified asbestos abatement technician should work with asbestos. All asbestos building waste must go to an asbestos-qualified landfill approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
For more information, contact the State of Colorado Asbestos Compliance Division at 303-692-2000 or by email.
