Top 10 Asbestos Myths: Debunked
Asbestos: A quick refresher
Asbestos was once the go-to for situations that required a material that could withstand heat and corrosion. But asbestos fibers are also hazardous to human health, with researchers concluding that all types of asbestos can cause cancer and other diseases. Today, companies are facing lawsuits alleging that they downplayed the risks.
Even though people have known for decades that asbestos is dangerous, there are still a few myths about it. These misconceptions about the fibrous, once-common building material can endanger your health if you don’t have the facts. Let’s debunk some stubborn asbestos misconceptions.
At a glance: Debunking asbestos myths
- The U.S. federal government is still working toward banning the import, production and use of all types of asbestos.
- If you’re concerned that there might be an asbestos hazard in your home, an asbestos professional can evaluate your situation and recommend next steps.
- Modern materials can effectively perform as well as asbestos.
Myth 1. The U.S. banned asbestos
Many people think U.S. laws have relegated asbestos to the history books, but its use persists in a few industries. Chrysotile or white asbestos is used in roofing materials, textiles, cement and automotive parts such as clutches and brakes. Chrysotile asbestos is banned in many other countries. NOTE: Any form of asbestos is considered dangerous.
The previous presidential administration adopted a ban on importing, manufacturing or using chrysotile asbestos in 2024. Industrial organizations sued, and the current administration considered rolling the ban back. Federal officials ultimately decided to let the ban stand. Industry advocates are still challenging the measures in court, and some uses have as much as 12 years to phase asbestos out.
Americans can still be exposed to asbestos in industrial and household situations.
Myth status: Partially false, but possibly changing
Myth 2. There are no good asbestos alternatives
In the U.S., chrysotile or white asbestos was — until recently — still used in brake pads, gaskets and construction materials. With the previous presidential administration’s ban, auto parts and building material manufacturers need to shift to safer materials.
In auto parts, manufacturers are turning to ceramic, natural fiber composites and semi-metallic materials.
Construction companies have numerous options for replacing asbestos products. For example, today’s roofing options include all-metal roofs, clay tiles, composite shingles and slate tiles.
Myth status: False
Myth 3. Homeowners should immediately remove asbestos if they find it in their home
American homes are aging, with the median age of an owner-occupied home at 40 years old. This means many U.S. homes were built before the end of the asbestos age. So what happens when you discover asbestos lurking in the biggest investment you’ve ever made?
Have an asbestos abatement professional evaluate the situation. Trying to remove intact asbestos-containing items yourself could unleash the fibers and cause more problems than just leaving them alone.
If you’re planning to renovate or if the material is in bad shape, you’ll need to have it removed by a professional.
Myth status: False
Myth 4. DIY asbestos removal is safe
No, DIY asbestos removal isn’t safe. Any effort to remove asbestos-containing materials can release more of the fibers. If you’re not trained and equipped to deal with asbestos, you’re risking your health. You shouldn’t even clean up debris that contains asbestos. And no, a facemask from the local hardware store isn’t adequate protection.
Also, there’s more to the job than just removing the asbestos. It’s also critical to dispose of it properly, which means complying with federal, state and local government regulations. A professional will know about regulations, as well as the necessary paperwork and fees.
Myth status: Extremely false
Myth 5. Modern homes don’t contain asbestos
Asbestos was once considered a miracle material and a sign of a quality home. That reputation started long before health professionals realized just how dangerous asbestos fibers are to human health.
It also took a while for the regulatory environment and related industries to catch up (some trade organizations and companies still object to the increasing regulation). That means even modern homes might contain some materials that use asbestos.
But remember, these materials shouldn’t cause concern if they’re intact and undamaged. Be vigilant for signs of fraying or broken material and consult an asbestos professional if you have any concerns.
Myth status: Partially false
Myth 6. Home inspectors can easily find asbestos
Home inspectors are a huge help for home buyers. They ferret out potential problems that could lead to costly repairs. But don’t rely on them to notice asbestos.
The typical home inspector doesn’t have the training to spot asbestos, especially when the asbestos-containing material is intact. In most cases, home inspectors won’t check for asbestos.
If you’re worried about a popcorn ceiling or some suspicious fibers in a damaged wall, consider getting an asbestos inspection. An asbestos inspector is trained to identify potential hazards, and they can perform lab tests to confirm whether a material contains asbestos. They might also suggest next steps to safeguard your home and your family.
Also, check the disclosure laws in your area. In some cases, home sellers are required to state whether their property contains asbestos.
Myth status: False
Myth 7. Small amounts of asbestos exposure are safe
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asbestos is a Group 1 human carcinogen. This means it is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other serious diseases in humans.
In workplace settings, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established a standard of 0.1 asbestos fiber per cubic centimeter (0.1f/cc) of air over 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). However, there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.
It’s also worth noting that asbestos-related diseases can develop at different rates depending on the circumstances.
Myth status: False
Myth 8. Asbestos is only used in construction and automotive materials
Asbestos isn’t just for building houses and keeping brakes from overheating. It was also used in consumer products like cosmetics, appliances and cigarette filters. One of the major lawsuits involving asbestos is the mass litigation against companies that used talcum powder that contained asbestos fibers.
Myth status: False
Learn more about the link between talcum powder and asbestos.
Myth 9. Asbestos is a man-made material
This one’s easy: Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance. It’s mined in many areas around the world. The geographic conditions for forming asbestos are present in up to 40% of the continental U.S. landmass.
Myth status: False
Myth 10. You have to work with asbestos to be affected
People who worked with asbestos unfortunately often brought it home with them. Asbestos fibers can cling to clothing and tools, creating a vector for secondary exposure.
This secondhand exposure led to illness for some family members. Experts estimate that up to 30% of asbestos-related illnesses in the U.S. are the result of secondhand exposure.
Myth status: False
Our asbestos exposure experience
Motley Rice attorneys have litigated asbestos exposure cases for decades, representing thousands of individuals and families harmed by asbestos exposure. Our legal team helped uncover how asbestos companies tried to conceal the dangers. We continue to hold companies accountable through personal injury, wrongful death and product liability lawsuits.
Read more about our experience with asbestos exposure litigation.
- Sources
- ASAP Restoration and Construction. Can I DIY Asbestos Removal in Phoenix AZ?
- Asbestos 123. Alternatives for Asbestos Roofing Replacement.
- Essam, Mahmoud A.; Abdeltawab, Noha M.; Fathy, Adel; Elmahdy, M. Brake pads automotive industries, formulations, characteristics and testing: A review. Next Research, Volume 3, 2026, 101153, ISSN 3050-4759.
- Lee, R.J.; Strohmeier, B.R.; Bunker, K.L; Van Orden, D.R. Naturally occurring asbestos—A recurring public policy challenge. Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 153, Issues 1–2, 2008, Pages 1-21, ISSN 0304-3894.
- D’ Agostin F, De Michieli P, Negro C. Mesothelioma From Household Asbestos Exposure. J Lung Health Dis (2018) 1(1): 27-30.
- National Association of Home Builders Economic Research. The Age of the U.S. Housing Stock.
- New York Times. E.P.A. Plans to Reconsider a Ban on Cancer-Causing Asbestos.
- OSHA Fact Sheet. Asbestos.
- Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Asbestos in Your Home: Precaution, Not Panic.