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Damaged tiles can release asbestos fibers into the air. Anyone in the surrounding area who may inhale the fibers will have them settled in the lining of internal organs. Over time, it may lead to serious health conditions such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The only safe way to prevent these conditions is to avoid exposure to asbestos at all costs, even for a short period of time.

According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos-related diseases can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for symptoms to appear. The health risks increase with prolonged and heavier exposure. Risk factors also include:

• Amount of exposure

• Chemical makeup, size, and shape of the asbestos fibers

• Length of time a person is exposed to asbestos

• Genetic factors 

• Source of exposure (direct exposure or secondhand exposure from someone directly exposed)

Asbestos is absolutely cancerous. In fact, around 4% of all lung cancer cases are the result of asbestos exposure. This is why we recommend a full, professional removal and cleaning of any asbestos found in your home. If you are unsure whether there is any present, you should call a pro who will inspect your property.

Whether or not to buy a home containing asbestos is ultimately a decision for the homebuyer, and there are several things to consider. When in good condition and contained, asbestos is unlikely to present a health risk—it’s when those tiny fibers are loose and airborne that they become a problem. Consider any renovations you plan on doing to the home that could disturb existing asbestos and the cost of removal. If an inspection finds asbestos in a home on the market, you could negotiate with the seller for a lower price, though this isn’t a sure thing.