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Could I have been exposed to asbestos in my home?

Exposure to asbestos at home usually occurs when renovation or repair work is done, or when you are in contact with other family members who work in an asbestos environment. Asbestos is so toxic that small particles on family members' clothing, skin, hair, or shoes can cause asbestos-related illnesses in family members that come in contact with it. 

Most building products that are manufactured today do not contain asbestos, but asbestos was commonly used prior to 1970. Home products such as joint compounds, wallboards, gaskets, fireproofing, pipe coverings, cement, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and boiler insulation often contained asbestos. Anytime these products are mixed, sprayed, sanded, grinded, sawed, cut, or removed they can result in exposure. Exposure to these airborne fibers can cause an asbestos-related illness 15 to 50 years later.