AboutJane Cunningham Expertise I can answer any questions about asbestos. This means asbestos in building materials and in other applications. It still exists in building and particularly in older plumbing and heating systems.
Experience I worked in the asbestos testing and monitoring industry for 9 years. I ran and managed an asbestos testing lab. Asbestos is a fire-resistant fiber that comes in different forms.
Education/Credentials B.S. Business Quality Management, minor in Sciences.
Expert: Jane Cunningham Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: Asbestos Shingles
Question QUESTION: About 15 years ago I lived in a house with asbestos shingles. The surface of the shingles were always coated with a white dust that would frequently get on our clothes if we leaned up against the house.
About two years before I moved out, my stepfather had windows replaced without a permit and by someone who was not an asbestos abatement professional. My family and I observed the work from inside before the window was replaced and as the shingles were removed, without being aware that it might pose a health risk. I am 35 now, and wondering if that white dust and the renovation would have exposed me to asbestos, and if there is anything I should do medically. Could you please advise? This is causing me a lot of anxiety. Thank you.
ANSWER: Cyn,
OK. I have to make some statements first here. So let's start with the shingles. Asbestos found in shingles is usually of the larger fiber variety where you can see it with the human eye. I cannot in reality say that the white dust found on the surface of shingles was actually asbestos dust. (And actually I kind of doubt it.) It may have been another constituent of the shingle. Did you get those shingles tested long ago, and how are you 100% sure there was asbestos in them?
I've seen and tested all kinds of shingle building materials and some shingles have white fibers in them that are not asbestos.
And, normally scientists say there is a 30 year latency period that occurs where a person may or may not get any disease from asbestos. Also, since there is still asbestos in many car brake shoes, so we can safely say that we have all been exposed to it in one way or another.
That said, I'm sorry to say, medically there is nothing you can do to prevent anything from happening if you have been exposed. Just pay attention to you lungs and how they work for you, and if you notice anything strange or different, have it checked out. Don't have anxiety over it because there are so many other things in the world to have anxiety about right now. Right?
Feel free to continue our conversation about your situation.
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QUESTION: Thank you for the information. I was told by my stepfather, who lived there his whole life that they were asbestos shingles. So there is no recommendation to have your lungs tested periodically via CT scan, or anything like that? I try not to worry about it, however, as I am turning 35, and had the potential exposure at 15, it is becoming anxiety-provoking.
Answer Cyn,
Well, I'm sure a CT Scan wouldn't ever hurt.....but I doubt it will be deemed medically necessary.
When I worked in the asbestos testing lab, I was monitored yearly and a general health check was performed. You might contact an occupational testing clinic in your area and ask them if they can do the asbestos screening annual test on you. Of course, they may not even have that option in your state. The requirements vary per state as to the annual monitoring required when you work around asbestos. (I thought it was ridiculous because we worked inside a negative air hood when doing the analysis.)
Keep in mind, 99% of the time, no one can truly tell that a building material has abestos in it unless it has been tested. Long ago, during the original asbestos scare, many people would see fibers in building materials and think that they had asbestos. So, not to discredit your stepfather, but unless he purchased the material himself, or had them tested, or saw the words on the back of the shingle "asbestos containing" or something of the sort, you cannot automatically assume they are asbestos shingles.
There are fibers constituents like short white peices of fiberglass and also high density polypropylene that can look exactly like asbestos fibers...even microscopically. What cinches the lab test results as to whether the material is positive or negative for asbestos is when the analyst uses what is called dispersion staining method on the fibers.
Why don't you get some of the material and have it tested to confirm the absence or presence of asbestos first. All you need is a small peice of the shingle about 1/2" to 1" square to take to a lab. Then once you confirm the presence of it (or not), then contact an occupational testing clinic and see if they have a physical available for asbestos workers and tell them you want that one. Just an idea on a plan to calm your fears.
I hope I have helped you. Feel free to ask more questions.
Jane
