How Asbestos Exposure Happens (And How to Protect Your Property)
Asbestos is a hidden danger in many older homes and buildings, but most people don’t realize how easily exposure can happen. If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed during renovations, demolition, or even everyday wear and tear, tiny asbestos fibers can become airborne—posing serious health risks.
At Regional Environmental Demolition Inc. (R.E.D.), we specialize in safe asbestos removal and abatement across Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Western New York. In this guide, we’ll explain how asbestos exposure happens, the risks involved, and how to protect your property.
1. Where Asbestos is Commonly Found
If your home or building was constructed before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos materials. Common locations include:
✅ Ceilings & Walls – Popcorn ceilings, textured paints, and old drywall may contain asbestos.
✅ Flooring – Vinyl tiles, linoleum, and adhesives often have asbestos backing.
✅ Insulation – Found in attic insulation, pipe wrap, and HVAC duct insulation.
✅ Roofing & Siding – Cement shingles, roofing felt, and tar paper may contain asbestos fibers.
✅ Basements & Boiler Rooms – Old furnaces, pipes, and water heaters often have asbestos insulation.
🚨 Just because asbestos is present doesn’t mean it’s immediately dangerous—but once disturbed, it becomes a serious health hazard.
2. How Asbestos Exposure Happens
Renovation & Demolition Projects
One of the most common ways people are exposed to asbestos is during remodeling, renovation, or demolition.
🔹 Cutting, drilling, or sanding old walls, floors, or ceilings can release asbestos fibers.
🔹 Tearing down structures without proper asbestos testing can contaminate an entire property.
🔹 DIY renovations often disturb asbestos unknowingly, putting homeowners at risk.
What to do instead: Always schedule an asbestos inspection before starting any renovation or demolition project.
Everyday Wear & Tear
Asbestos-containing materials degrade over time, especially in high-use areas like flooring, walls, and insulation.
🔹 Old ceiling tiles may start crumbling and release asbestos dust.
🔹 Deteriorating floor tiles or pipe insulation can break apart, making fibers airborne.
🔹 Water damage and mold growth can weaken materials and expose asbestos fibers.
What to do instead: If you suspect aging asbestos materials, do not touch them—call a professional abatement team.
Fire, Flood, or Storm Damage
Natural disasters and fires can damage asbestos materials, spreading fibers into the air, soil, and water.
🔹 Firefighters and emergency responders are often at risk of asbestos exposure when entering older buildings.
🔹 Flooding can erode and break apart asbestos insulation, drywall, and ceiling tiles.
🔹 Wind and storm damage can spread asbestos dust into the surrounding environment.
What to do instead: After a disaster, have a professional inspect your property for asbestos contamination.
3. Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious long-term health issues. The danger comes from microscopic asbestos particles lodging in the lungs, leading to:
🔴 Mesothelioma – A rare but deadly cancer affecting the lungs and abdomen.
🔴 Asbestosis – Chronic lung scarring that causes shortness of breath and respiratory failure.
🔴 Lung Cancer – Prolonged exposure significantly increases lung cancer risk.
🔴 Respiratory Issues – Even short-term exposure can cause coughing, wheezing, and chest pain.
🚨 There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even small amounts can be dangerous over time.
4. How to Protect Your Property from Asbestos
If you own an older home or commercial building, take these precautions to keep your property safe:
✔ Schedule an Asbestos Inspection
Before any renovation, demolition, or real estate purchase, have your property tested. Professionals take samples and send them to a lab for confirmation.
✔ Avoid DIY Asbestos Removal
Attempting to remove asbestos without proper equipment can make exposure worse. Asbestos must be safely contained, removed, and disposed of by certified professionals.
✔ Hire a Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor
At R.E.D., we specialize in full-service asbestos removal, following all EPA, OSHA, and New York state regulations. Our team:
✅ Seals off contaminated areas.
✅ Uses specialized HEPA filtration and protective gear.
✅ Ensures safe disposal at approved hazardous waste facilities.
Don’t Take Risks with Asbestos
Asbestos exposure is preventable, but only if handled correctly. Whether you’re renovating, demolishing, or concerned about aging asbestos materials, the best course of action is professional asbestos testing and removal.
At Regional Environmental Demolition Inc. (R.E.D.), we provide safe, licensed asbestos abatement services in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and throughout Western New York. Our team ensures your home or business is asbestos-free and compliant with all safety regulations.
Concerned about asbestos exposure? Contact R.E.D. today for professional asbestos inspection and abatement services. Protect your property and your health!
