Asbestos is known for its insulating properties, soundproofing, anti-corrosiveness, condensation control, strength enhancing properties, and resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. These properities make it very attractive for industrial uses and for use in building materials. Asbestos is most commonly found in older homes, in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, and floor tiles. Asbestos can be found in most homes built or remodeled prior to 1979. There are approximately 3600 asbestos containing products.
Asbestos is a carcinogen that mainly affects the lungs.
After they are inhaled, asbestos fibers can remain and accumulate in the lungs. These diseases are usually fatal. Symptoms of these diseases do not show up until many years after exposure begins. Interactions between cigarette smoke and asbestos increase your chances of getting lung cancer. It is not know whether ingesting asbestos causes cancer.