What You Need to Know: Asbestos
Why is asbestos a problem?
Breathing asbestos fibers can cause cancer. By the 1980's asbestos had been banned in most home applications by the federal government.
What is Asbestos?
It's actually 6 different natural fibers: chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite.
Why was Asbestos put in Homes?
Asbestos was cheap, fire retardant and a very good insulator. So, it was used in a lot of different materials in homes.
How is asbestos removed?
You should hire an asbestos abatement contractor to safely remove asbestos. As they work, asbestos fibers will be released into the air where they can cause damage to people breathing in the fibers. The abatement contractors, however, have hepa-filters that filter the fibers out of the air and reduce your exposure. Do not tamper with asbestos yourself.
Source: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/Resources/Images/asbestos_large.jpg