Asbestos Awareness - 2025
- Anna Hayford
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Living in 2025
We know that asbestos can be dangerous We've all seen those mesothelioma lawsuit commercials ("Have you or your family been a victim?") We're not putting up asbestos popcorn ceilings or rolling around in fake snow made of asbestos, but these are relatively recent truths.
From 1920-the 1980s
Asbestos was considered a miracle product, making households virtually fireproof. Ovenmitts, telephones, dryers, dish towels, electric blankets, ironing board covers, vinyl tiles, and yes, even fake snow, were proudly made with asbestos, in an effort to control household fires. "When your life depends on it, you use asbestos" (Asbestos Corp., LTD, 1982).
What does that mean for our associates?
Because we live in a world with many, many houses and products still in existence from the times of heavy asbestos use, we may encounter asbestos in client homes and buildings. This safety blast covers what it is, what the concerns are, and what to do if you see it.
An important note to quell your anxiety here: Asbestos is only a danger when disturbed.
What does asbestos look like?
Asbestos can take on a plethora of forms.
Some of the common "looks of asbestos" include:
What is the concern?
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny fibers can be released into the air. Inhalation of these fibers poses serious health risks, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
When might I encounter asbestos?
Asbestos can be found in a variety of places, especially in older buildings and products:
Isett associates working in pre-1989 buildings with disturbed building materials are at particular risk.
Building Materials of concern include: Insulation, floor tiles, roofing shingles, and cement.
What to do if asbestos is suspected:
Do Not Disturb: If you suspect a material contains asbestos, do not disturb it. Asbestos is most dangerous when it's airborne.
While working at Isett:
Report Concerns: If you work in an environment where asbestos exposure is possible, report any concerns to your supervisor or Chris Kotch, Corp. H&S Rep, immediately.
Depending on your prior training and role, a plan will be determined for testing.
At Home:
Seek Professional Help: Contact a licensed asbestos abatement professional to assess the situation. They can safely remove or encapsulate the asbestos.
At-home test kits are available, but not recommended unless the asbestos is already disturbed. Even then, there are extremely strict instructions. Read with care!
Everyday precautions:
Avoid Cutting, Drilling, or Sanding: Never cut, drill, or sand materials that might contain asbestos without proper safety equipment and procedures.
Keep Areas Well-Ventilated: Ensure proper ventilation in areas where asbestos might be present to minimize exposure risks.
Check Labels: If working with older products or materials, check for asbestos warnings or consult an expert.
Look into vintage products: Before you start a collection of vintage dining table covers or pick up that fabulous old fridge at the antique shop, research the use of asbestos in that product, especially if you plan to do anything other than keep it high on a shelf.
One Last (not so) Fun Fact: The Wizard of Asbestos.
In the earliest days of Hollywood, set dressers would most often use cotton balls to simulate snow in movies.
In 1928, concern over cotton’s flammability began. White cornflakes proved too crunchy, and fire-resistant, soft asbestos soon became the norm.
The powder covering Judy Garland and crew in the 1939 classic is - you guessed it - disturbed, powdered, asbestos. The same substance was used in other classics such as Citizen Kane, It's a Wonderful Life, and White Christmas, among others.
