While asbestos can’t be directly absorbed through the skin—the fibers are too big—skin contact can still produce symptoms. Contact dermatitis can flare up in sensitive individuals but in most cases, the danger from asbestos comes from inhaling the fibers, or dust, that is produced when asbestos is disturbed. If you touch asbestos by accident, immediately wash yourself and your clothes.

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.

Asbestos was most commonly produced and integrated into building products from the 1920s to the late 1980s. In reality, asbestos use should have ceased much sooner because asbestos was linked to cancer in studies produced as early as the 1950s. You can even extend that number past the 1980s due to stockpiled materials and because some countries treat asbestos use differently. It may also be found more in commercial applications than residential.

Unfortunately, home inspections do not check for asbestos because of the liability factor involved. That’s why you should hire a trained professional with specialized equipment to test for it. 

They will inspect all areas of the home and take samples of various materials to test. Opting for an asbestos inspection can prevent the risk of exposure to this hazardous material and save on costly repairs that may be required.