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How concerned should I be?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the American Lung Association, "the best thing to do with asbestos materials in good condition is to leave them alone. Disturbing it may create a health hazard where none existed before". Naturally, asbestos materials first need to be identified, evaluated and determined to be in GOOD CONDITION by a qualified asbestos professional before leaving it alone. So, if the asbestos is in good condition and stable, your risk on health effects is relatively low. However, if the asbestos is damaged, there are three things seem to determine your likelihood of developing one of these asbestos related diseases:

1. The amount and duration of exposure - the more you are exposed to asbestos and the more fibers that enter your body, the more likely you are to develop asbestos related problems. While there is no "safe level" of asbestos exposure, people who are exposed more frequently over a long period of time are more at risk.
2. Whether or not you smoke - if you smoke and you have been exposed to asbestos, you are far more likely to develop lung cancer than someone who does not smoke and who has not been exposed to asbestos. If you work with asbestos or have been exposed to it, the first thing you should do to reduce your chances of developing cancer is to stop smoking.
3. Age - cases of mesothelioma have occurred in the children of asbestos workers whose only exposures were from the dust brought home on the clothing of family members who worked with asbestos. The younger people are when they inhale asbestos, the more likely they are to develop mesothelioma. This is why enormous efforts are being made to prevent school children from being exposed.

Because each exposure to asbestos increases the body burden of asbestos fibers, it is very important to reduce and minimize your exposure. Removing or stabilizing the asbestos is the best way to minimize the risk. However, it can be dangerous for for the homeowner to do this without proper equipment and skills. The homeowner should be fully informed before trying to address an asbestos problem..