Understanding the serious health dangers of asbestos and how to protect your family
As a Wisconsin homeowner, you want to keep your family safe. But there’s a hidden danger that could be lurking in the walls, ceilings, attics, exterior siding, shingles and floors of older homes throughout our state – asbestos. This naturally occurring mineral, once praised for its fire-resistant properties, strength and insulation properties, is now recognized as a serious health hazard that has affected thousands of Wisconsin families.
If you’re planning a renovation, buying an older home, or have discovered potential asbestos-containing materials in your property, understanding the health risks is crucial for making informed decisions about your family’s safety.
What Makes Asbestos So Dangerous?
Asbestos becomes hazardous when its microscopic fibers become airborne and are inhaled into your lungs. Unlike other particles that your body can naturally expel, asbestos fibers are virtually indestructible once they enter your respiratory system. These needle-like fibers lodge permanently in lung tissue, where they cause inflammation and scarring over time. Our bodies do not metabolize asbestos fibers.
The most concerning aspect of asbestos exposure is that health effects don’t appear immediately. Instead, asbestos-related diseases have long latency periods, meaning symptoms may not develop for 15 to 40 years after initial exposure. This delayed onset makes asbestos particularly insidious – by the time health problems appear, significant damage has already occurred. Asbestos fibers also do not have an odor.
When asbestos materials are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. Everyone exposed to asbestos gets some level of exposure, but not everyone exposed to asbestos gets sick. The risk of developing disease increases with the amount of asbestos exposure and the duration of that exposure.
Understanding Asbestos Fibers and Their Impact
Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can remain suspended in air for hours after disturbance. When you breathe in asbestos fibers, they travel deep into your lungs where they become trapped. Your body cannot break down or remove these asbestos fibers, which is why exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health complications decades later.
The different types of asbestos fibers pose varying levels of risk. Chrysotile asbestos, the most commonly used type, accounts for about 95% of asbestos found in buildings. However, all types of asbestos are dangerous when inhaled, and there is no known safe level of asbestos exposure.
The Three Primary Asbestos-Related Diseases
1. Asbestosis
Latency Period: 15-20 years
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by the scarring of lung tissue from trapped asbestos fibers. As scar tissue builds up, your lungs lose their ability to expand and contract properly, making breathing increasingly difficult. The risk of asbestosis increases with higher levels of asbestos exposure over longer periods.
Symptoms include:
- Persistent dry cough
- Shortness of breath during physical activity
- Chest tightness or pain
- Crackling sound when breathing
While asbestosis isn’t cancerous, it significantly reduces quality of life and can lead to serious complications, including heart failure. The disease caused by asbestos fibers in the lungs is progressive and currently has no cure.
2. Lung Cancer
Latency Period: 20-30 years
Asbestos exposure dramatically increases your risk of developing lung cancer. This risk is particularly severe for individuals who both smoke cigarettes and have been exposed to asbestos – the combination multiplies the cancer risk exponentially. The risk of developing lung cancer from asbestos exposure increases with the amount of asbestos exposure and duration of exposure.
Warning signs include:
- Persistent cough that worsens over time
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurring respiratory infections
3. Mesothelioma
Latency Period: 30-40 years
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This disease is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos and is unfortunately always fatal. Even minimal exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma decades later.
Early symptoms include:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
The risk of getting mesothelioma increases with occupational asbestos exposure, but even brief environmental exposure can be dangerous.
Wisconsin’s Asbestos Challenge: Why Our State Faces Higher Risks
Wisconsin’s housing stock presents unique challenges when it comes to asbestos exposure. Many of our homes were built during the peak years when asbestos was used extensively (1940s-1970s), and our harsh winters meant builders relied heavily on insulation materials that often contained asbestos.
The use of asbestos in construction materials was widespread because asbestos has excellent fire-resistant and insulation properties. However, this widespread use means many Wisconsin homes contain asbestos materials that may pose health risks if disturbed.
Common Asbestos Locations in Wisconsin Homes:
Insulation Materials:
- Vermiculite attic insulation (particularly from Libby, Montana mines)
- Pipe and boiler insulation in basements
- Wall insulation in older homes
Building Materials:
- Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
- Ceiling tiles and textured paints
- Roofing shingles and siding
- Joint compounds and spackling
HVAC Systems:
- Ductwork insulation
- Furnace insulation
- Heat-resistant gaskets and seals
Even homes built after 1980 may contain asbestos, as imported materials from countries like Canada and China may still include products containing asbestos.
Who Is Most at Risk in Wisconsin?
High-Risk Occupations
Certain professions in Wisconsin have historically faced higher asbestos exposure risks:
- Construction workers and contractors
- Plumbers and electricians
- Maintenance workers in older buildings
- Shipyard workers (particularly around the Great Lakes)
- Railroad workers
- Power plant employees
Occupational asbestos exposure accounts for the majority of asbestos-related disease cases. Asbestos workers who were exposed to asbestos on the job often brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing, putting family members at risk.
Family Members
Secondary exposure can occur when workers bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing, putting family members at risk. This type of exposure has been documented in Wisconsin families where one household member worked in asbestos-related industries.
DIY Renovators
Well-meaning homeowners who attempt to remove materials containing asbestos themselves face significant exposure risks. Without proper containment and safety equipment, DIY removal can release thousands of fibers into your home’s air.
Understanding Asbestos Products and Materials
Products containing asbestos were used extensively in construction because asbestos has also been used for its strength and heat resistance. Asbestos materials can be found in:
- Insulation products
- Fireproofing materials
- Automotive parts (brake pads, clutches)
- Roofing and siding materials
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Cement products
The agency for research on cancer has classified all forms of asbestos as carcinogenic to humans. Different types of asbestos fibers were used in various products, but all pose health risks when disturbed.
The Hidden Danger of “Safe” Asbestos
Many Wisconsin homeowners believe that undisturbed asbestos poses no risk. While it’s true that intact asbestos materials are less dangerous, several factors can cause deterioration:
- Age and weathering: Materials naturally break down over time
- Vibrations: From traffic, construction, or home systems
- Water damage: Moisture weakens materials containing asbestos
- Minor disturbances: Even hanging pictures or installing fixtures can release fibers
When asbestos is released into the air, exposure may occur through inhalation. Long-term exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established strict guidelines for asbestos exposure in the workplace. These regulations exist because occupational exposure to asbestos has been linked to numerous health problems among workers.
Health effects of asbestos exposure are well-documented, and the health effects of asbestos exposure can be severe. The occupational safety and health administration requires employers to protect workers from asbestos exposure through proper safety protocols and equipment.
What You Need to Know about Protecting Your Wisconsin Family
Before Any Renovation Project
Wisconsin law requires that buildings constructed before 1980 be inspected for asbestos before renovation or demolition. This isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s essential for your family’s health.
Professional testing involves:
- Certified inspectors collecting samples
- Laboratory analysis by accredited facilities
- Detailed reports identifying materials containing asbestos
- Recommendations for safe handling or removal
Choosing Professional Abatement
If asbestos is discovered in your Wisconsin home, professional removal is your safest option. Certified abatement contractors like Umbrella Environmental follow strict Wisconsin Department of Health Services protocols to ensure safe removal.
Professional abatement includes:
- Proper containment to prevent fiber spread
- Specialized equipment and safety gear
- Safe removal and disposal procedures
- Post-removal air quality testing
- Complete documentation for your records
The Science Behind Asbestos Health Risks
How Asbestos Fibers Cause Disease
When you breathe in asbestos fibers, they travel deep into your lungs. These tiny asbestos fibers become lodged in lung tissue where they cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, this damage can lead to the development of serious diseases.
Asbestos fibers may remain in the lungs for decades. The body’s immune system cannot effectively remove these fibers, which is why even brief exposure to asbestos can potentially cause health problems years later.
Risk Factors for Asbestos-Related Disease
Several factors influence your risk of developing asbestos-related diseases:
- Amount of asbestos exposure: Higher levels of exposure increase risk
- Duration of exposure: Longer exposure periods increase risk
- Type of asbestos: While all types are dangerous, some may be more potent
- Individual susceptibility: Some people may be more sensitive to asbestos
- Smoking history: Combined with asbestos exposure, smoking dramatically increases lung cancer risk
Health Effects from Exposure
The health effects from exposure to asbestos can be devastating. Adverse health effects of asbestos exposure include not only the three primary diseases but also:
- Pleural plaques (scarring of lung lining)
- Pleural effusions (fluid around lungs)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections
Understanding Asbestos Exposure Levels
High Levels of Asbestos Exposure
Workers in certain industries historically faced high levels of asbestos exposure. These occupational exposures often resulted in the development of asbestos-related diseases decades later.
Low Levels of Asbestos Exposure
Even low levels of asbestos exposure can potentially cause health problems. There is no known safe threshold for asbestos exposure, which is why any exposure should be minimized.
Environmental Asbestos Exposure
Everyone is exposed to asbestos at very low levels in the environment. However, exposure may be higher in buildings containing deteriorating asbestos materials or in areas where asbestos mines or processing facilities once operated.
Why Waiting Isn’t Worth the Risk
Some Wisconsin homeowners delay addressing asbestos concerns due to cost considerations. However, the potential health consequences far outweigh the expense of professional abatement:
- Medical costs: Asbestos-related diseases require extensive, expensive treatment
- Legal liability: Property owners may face lawsuits if others are exposed
- Property value: Undisclosed asbestos can complicate future sales
- Family health: No amount of money can undo asbestos-related health damage
Wisconsin Regulations and Your Rights
Wisconsin maintains strict regulations governing asbestos handling and removal. These laws exist to protect public health and ensure that abatement work is performed safely.
Key Wisconsin requirements:
- Only certified contractors can perform asbestos abatement
- Proper disposal at approved facilities
- Air quality monitoring during removal
- Detailed documentation of all work performed
Property owners have the right to:
- Request contractor certifications
- Receive detailed project proposals
- Access all testing and removal documentation
- Expect compliance with all state regulations
Your Next Steps
If you suspect asbestos in your Wisconsin home, don’t wait. Early identification and professional handling can prevent exposure and protect your family’s health.
Immediate steps:
- Don’t disturb suspected materials – Avoid cleaning, moving, or touching potential materials containing asbestos
- Schedule professional testing – Contact certified inspectors for proper sampling and analysis as soon as possible
- Educate your family – Ensure everyone understands the importance of avoiding suspected areas that may possibly contain asbestos material
- Plan for professional removal – If asbestos is confirmed, work with certified abatement contractors to abate or remove the material
Expert Guidance When You Need It Most
At Umbrella Environmental, we understand that discovering potential asbestos in your Wisconsin home can be overwhelming. As one of fewer than 10 companies in Wisconsin certified in both asbestos and lead abatement, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
Our dual certification means you can work with a single, trusted contractor for all your environmental safety needs. We specialize in the smaller projects that other companies often refuse, and our family-owned business has been serving Wisconsin homeowners since 2010 with the same commitment to safety and transparency that we’d want for our own families.
Why Wisconsin families choose Umbrella Environmental:
- Rapid response: On-site sampling within 24-48 hours
- Fast results: Laboratory analysis typically completed in 1-2 days
- Transparent pricing: Clear, detailed estimates with no surprises
- Local expertise: Deep understanding of Wisconsin’s unique housing challenges
- Comprehensive service: From testing through final clearance
Don’t let asbestos concerns put your family’s health or renovation plans on hold. Contact our certified professionals today for a consultation and take the first step toward a safer home.