Asbestos is a harmful material that was widely used in construction, insulation, and other industries for much of the 20th century.
While its use has been heavily restricted due to its health risks, asbestos-containing materials can still be found in older buildings.
One of the major concerns regarding asbestos is its potential to become airborne.
But how long can asbestos stay airborne?
When asbestos fibres are released into the air, they can be inhaled, leading to serious health issues. In this article, we will explore how long asbestos can remain airborne, the dangers it poses, and how to protect yourself from exposure.
Table of Contents
How to Identify Airborne Asbestos
Identifying airborne asbestos can be challenging because asbestos fibres are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye.
Asbestos itself does not have any distinct colour or odour, making it hard to detect.
The key to recognising airborne asbestos is knowing where it is most likely to be found and the conditions that could cause it to become airborne.
Materials that contain asbestos can include insulation, roofing tiles, ceiling panels, and flooring.
In certain cases, disturbing or damaging these materials can cause asbestos to become airborne.
To confirm the presence of airborne asbestos, specialised air sampling and laboratory testing are required.
Professional asbestos inspectors use electron microscopes to detect the tiny fibres in the air.
This is the most reliable method for determining if airborne asbestos is present in a particular area.
Causes of Asbestos Becoming Airborne
Asbestos becomes airborne when materials containing asbestos are disturbed.
This can happen in a variety of ways:
Construction or Renovation Work
When renovations, repairs, or demolition work are done on older buildings, asbestos-containing materials may be accidentally disturbed.
Drilling, sanding, or cutting these materials can release asbestos fibres into the air.
Without proper precautions, workers and nearby residents are at risk of inhaling these harmful particles.
Natural Wear and Tear
Asbestos-containing materials that are in poor condition or have been exposed to the elements over time are more likely to release asbestos fibres.
For instance, old insulation or ceiling tiles that have degraded due to weather, heat, or age can shed fibres.
In these cases, the fibres can be carried by the air, creating a risk of asbestos exposure.
Fire or High Heat
High temperatures, such as those from a fire or intense heat exposure, can cause asbestos-containing materials to break down.
When these materials are exposed to heat, they may release microscopic asbestos fibres that can then be inhaled.
In some industrial or home settings, asbestos may have been used for fireproofing purposes, and if those materials catch fire, asbestos fibres can become airborne.
Cleaning
Cleaning asbestos-containing materials without proper safety measures can disturb the fibres and make them airborne.
Vacuuming, sweeping, or dry dusting materials that contain asbestos can spread the fibres throughout the environment, increasing the risk of exposure.
How Long Can Asbestos Stay Airborne?
Asbestos fibres, once released into the air, can remain suspended for a period of time.
The length of time asbestos stays airborne depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the fibres, the airflow in the area, and the conditions of the environment.
The short answer is asbestos can stay airborne for roughly 24 – 72 hours, however due to the factors below this can change.
Air Circulation
Asbestos fibres are extremely small and light, which means they can remain suspended in the air for an extended period.
Tiny fibres are more likely to stay airborne longer than larger ones because they are less affected by gravity.
In areas with poor ventilation or where air circulation is minimal, asbestos fibres can remain airborne for hours, days, or even longer.
Environmental Factors
The environment plays a significant role in how long asbestos fibres stay airborne.
High airflow environments, such as those with strong winds or fans, can cause the fibres to travel further and remain suspended in the air for a longer time.
On the other hand, in calm, still environments, the fibres may settle faster once they are disturbed.
Size and Weight of Asbestos Fibres
Larger asbestos fibres tend to fall to the ground more quickly because they are heavier.
Smaller fibres, however, are more easily carried by the wind or air currents and are less likely to settle immediately.
The smaller the fibre, the longer it can remain suspended.
In confined spaces, where air circulation is limited, fibres may linger in the air longer and pose a greater risk of inhalation.
Airborne Asbestos Dangers
The dangers of inhaling airborne asbestos are significant.
Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health conditions, particularly when it occurs over long periods of time.
Lung Cancer
One of the most well-known risks of asbestos exposure is lung cancer.
Inhaled asbestos fibres can become lodged in the lungs, leading to inflammation and damage to lung tissue.
Over time, this damage increases the risk of developing lung cancer, a potentially fatal disease.
Asbestosis
In addition to lung cancer, prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos can cause asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.
Asbestosis results from the inhalation of asbestos fibres that scar the lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe.
The condition can worsen over time, leading to respiratory failure and other complications.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the mesothelium, the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen.
It is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos.
The disease has a long latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.
Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in individuals with significant asbestos exposure.
Other Respiratory Issues
Short-term exposure to airborne asbestos can cause irritation of the respiratory system, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Over time, repeated exposure can result in more severe respiratory issues, such Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
How to Protect Yourself From Airborne Asbestos
Protecting yourself from airborne asbestos is crucial to reducing the risk of exposure and related health problems. Here are some key safety measures to follow:
Avoid Disturbing Asbestos-Containing Materials
If you suspect that a building contains asbestos, avoid disturbing any materials that may release fibres into the air.
If repairs or renovations are necessary, ensure that the work is performed by a licensed asbestos professional who can handle the material safely.
Wear Protective Gear (PPE)
If you are working in an area that may contain airborne asbestos, make sure to wear the appropriate protective gear.
This includes a respirator or face mask specifically designed to filter out asbestos fibres.
Additionally, wear disposable clothing and gloves to prevent fibres from sticking to your skin or clothing.
Proper Ventilation
Ensure that work areas are properly ventilated to help reduce the concentration of airborne asbestos.
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters should be used in the ventilation system to capture any airborne fibres.
Professional Asbestos Removal
If you need to remove asbestos-containing materials, always hire a professional asbestos removal service, such as us here at KD Asbestos.
These experts are trained in safely removing and disposing of asbestos, preventing it from becoming airborne and posing a risk to health.
Decontamination
After working in an area with potential asbestos exposure, thoroughly clean and decontaminate your tools, clothing, and any equipment used.
Dispose of any contaminated items properly to prevent spreading asbestos fibres.
Conclusion
You should now have an understanding of how long asbestos can stay airborne.
Asbestos fibres can remain airborne for a significant amount of time, especially in areas with poor ventilation or where high airflow is present.
The small size and lightweight nature of the fibres make them difficult to detect, but they pose serious health risks when inhaled.
Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos can lead to life-threatening conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
To protect yourself from these dangers, it is essential to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials, wear protective gear, ensure proper ventilation, and hire professionals for asbestos removal.
By taking the necessary precautions, you can reduce the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos and protect your health.
For more information, or help with any of your asbestos needs, get in contact with us here at KD Asbestos.