Asbestos Cement Uses, Risks and Safety Guidelines

Many people did not know the risks of being exposed to asbestos when they worked with or were near cement. Builders, plumbers and even homeowners, home residents or workers in office buildings could breathe in tiny asbestos fibers released from the cement. The risks include diseases like lung cancer. Handling or removing asbestos cement that still exists in buildings today requires care and safety steps.

Why Was Cement Mixed With Asbestos?

Asbestos in materials like cement could improve their durability and resistance to heat. When mixed together, they form a material that is stronger and lasts longer than regular cement.

Key reasons for mixing asbestos with cement include:

• Strength – Asbestos fibers help make cement harder and less likely to crack.
• Fire Resistance – Asbestos can withstand heat, so cement with asbestos does not burn easily.
• Water Resistance – This mix is less likely to absorb water, which helps stop damage from rain or moisture.
• Cost – Asbestos was easy to find in the earth’s soil, cheap to mine and manufacture, and easy to mix with cement.

Common Uses for Asbestos Cement

Builders liked the mix of asbestos and cement because it was easy to shape and could be made into many useful items. It was also lighter than regular concrete.

They often chose asbestos cement for projects where safety from fire and water was important. Schools, homes, hospitals, office buildings and factories often used asbestos cement products during the 1900s.

People did not know the health risks of asbestos when the mineral first became popular. That is why it held a presence in construction and cement use for decades. During the 1980s, use faded as the health risks emerged.

Types of Asbestos Cement Products

Asbestos cement was used during the 20th century – from the 1950s-1980s – to make many building materials. The most common types are pipes, flat or corrugated sheets, and roofing shingles, each serving specific roles in construction.

Asbestos Cement Pipes

Asbestos cement pipes were used for water supply, drainage, and sewage systems. These pipes were made by mixing asbestos fibers with cement and water, then shaping them into tubes. They are strong, lightweight, and not easily corroding.

A key advantage of asbestos cement pipes is they can last for decades without rusting, unlike metal pipes. Their smooth inside surface also helps water to flow easily.

Asbestos Cement Sheets and Panels

Asbestos cement sheets, often called flat sheets or corrugated sheets, were used for walls, ceilings and partitions in buildings. They are stiff, resist weather, and do not burn easily. Panels made this way were available in different sizes and thicknesses.

Builders used these sheets for sheds, garages and warehouses because they are low-cost and can last a long time. Sheets can be flat or formed into waves (corrugated) for added strength.

Key Features:

• Durable surface
• Fire and moisture resistant
• Easy to install

Some homes, schools and other buildings built before the 1980s may still have asbestos cement panels.

Asbestos Cement Roofing Shingles

Asbestos cement roofing shingles are thin, shaped slabs used to cover roofs. They were once popular because they do not rot, are fire-resistant, and can withstand harsh weather. Shingles are easy to cut and shape, making installation simple.

These shingles came in various shapes and finishes, often gray or light-colored. They can last many years without needing replacement.

How Exposure Occurred With Asbestos Cement

Asbestos is a mineral made of many tiny fibers. These fibers can splinter and separate from the rest of the mineral substance. The weightless fibers are sharp and can contaminate the air. Usually, the fibers don’t splinter.

Asbestos cement products release fibers when disturbed, damaged, or handled without proper safety steps. Certain work activities and conditions increase the chances for fibers to be disturbed, released and spread in the air.

Cutting, Drilling, Or Sawing Cement Products

When workers cut, drill, or saw asbestos cement sheets or pipes, tiny asbestos fibers could be released into the air. Power tools make the problem worse because they break down the material into fine dust. Without dust masks or special vacuums, these fibers could be breathed in through the nose or swallowed through the mouth by anyone nearby.

Main risks include:

• Making holes for wiring or pipes
• Cutting panels to fit certain spaces
• Repairs that needed sanding or shaping

Once airborne, asbestos fibers are not easy to detect. This increases workers’ risk if they are unaware of the dangers and do not wear protective equipment. Repeated tasks lead to higher exposure, especially in building trades or water system work.

Weathering and Deterioration

Asbestos cement left outside can break down from rain, wind and sunlight. As these materials age, cracks and surface wear develop. This makes it easier for small asbestos fibers to be released into the air, especially when pieces are moved or touched.

People near old roofs, fences or pipes with broken surfaces are more likely to breathe in or swallow loose fibers – or have them stick to their clothes or skin, leading to them carrying deadly fibers into their home. Maintenance workers, gardeners or families living nearby could be exposed, even without direct contact. Unlike cutting or sawing, this kind of exposure could happen slowly and go unnoticed for a long time.

Improper Removal or Renovation

Improper removal of asbestos cement, such as breaking up old siding or roofing without precautions, can release fibers. Renovation projects that ignore safety rules often make exposure worse by mixing dust into the air.

Common issues include:

• Not wetting the material before removal
• Breaking sheets instead of removing them whole
• Skipping the use of masks, gloves or disposable suits

Fibers can stay in the air for hours after work is done. People cleaning up or even passing by a site after improper removal can be at risk. Failing to seal off the area and safely dispose of waste increases dangers for both workers and nearby residents.

Who Was Most at Risk of Asbestos Exposure From Cement?

Many people came – and may still come – into close contact with asbestos cement at work or when fixing buildings. The greatest risk comes from directly handling, cutting, or breaking products made with asbestos fibers.

Construction Workers and Masons

Construction workers and masons often worked with asbestos cement sheets, pipes and roofing materials during the 20th century. Tasks like cutting, drilling, or sanding these materials released asbestos dust into the air. Most job sites did not have proper ventilation or dust control, especially before the 1980s.

Workers breathed in the tiny asbestos fibers for years. The fibers can lodge in or near the lungs or abdomen and lead to health problems like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Even those working in the area where others handled asbestos cement faced – and may still face – exposure risks. Many did not wear safety masks or protective clothing because they either did not know asbestos was present or that the mineral was dangerous.

Key risks for workers included:

• Cutting, drilling, or sanding cement sheets, pipes and roofing parts
• Installation of asbestos cement products
• Enclosed spaces and lack of ventilation

Masons sometimes mixed raw asbestos with cement, increasing their exposure.

Utility Workers and Plumbers

Utility workers and plumbers often had to cut or fit pipes made from asbestos cement during the 20th century. These pipes were common in water supply, sewage, and drainage systems, especially in buildings and homes built before the 1990s.

Cutting, sawing, or drilling these pipes releases asbestos fibers. Repairs in tight or enclosed spaces increase the exposure risk. Shifting or shattering old pipes during repairs also sends dust particles into the air, leading to asbestos exposure for plumbers and utility workers.

Daily tasks could include:

• Replacing broken asbestos cement pipes
• Cutting pipe sections to size
• Fixing leaks in older pipe systems

Those who work in maintenance or repair services are at risk, especially if the pipes are worn, cracked or damaged.

Homeowners, Home Residents, Office Workers, and Renovators

Homeowners, other home residents (family members or renters), office workers, and renovators could be exposed to asbestos cement during do-it-yourself projects or after renovation work. Old garages, sheds or roofing materials may contain asbestos cement. Sanding, drilling, or breaking these products could cause dangerous dust to be released.

Home residents or office personnel may not have performed these actions, but asbestos particles can float in the air for hours. They can also settle on surfaces such as furniture or floors, where simple household acts like vacuuming or sweeping can kick up fibers into the air again. Residents or office workers can inhale or swallow the fibers days or weeks after renovation work.

Many people are unaware of the risks, so they often do not take protective steps. Renovations done between the 1940s and 1980s carried higher chances of exposure since asbestos was still widely used.

Risks could increase when:

• Removing old siding or roof panels
• Replacing damaged wallboards
• Tearing out old pipes or ducts
• Living or working in old buildings where construction work occurred

Health Risks of Asbestos Cement Exposure

Asbestos cement releases tiny fibers when disturbed. These fibers can be inhaled or ingested and cause serious health problems years after exposure.

The fibers enter the body and irritate cells in tissue linings or organs, which leads to biological changes in how the cells operate. These changes lead to diseases caused by tissue scarring or overpopulation of cells (cancer).

The main diseases arising from asbestos in cement are mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused only by exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that only happens after exposure to asbestos fibers. The disease forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.

Symptoms can take 20-50 years after exposure to appear. The most common signs are chest pain, shortness of breath and a persistent cough.

People exposed to asbestos cement, especially at work or during repairs, have a much higher risk than the general population of getting mesothelioma. Construction work is the most notorious occupation for mesothelioma, and cement work is part of this field.

The risk of developing goes up with the amount and length of exposure to asbestos. There is no safe level of exposure, however, as even one stray asbestos fiber entering the body can lead to cancer.

Lung cancer is also linked to inhaling asbestos fibers. Smoking increases the risk even more. Signs of lung cancer are coughing, weight loss and difficulty breathing. The table below shows key differences:

Asbestosis and Pleural Thickening

Asbestosis is a long-term lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. These fibers scar the lung tissue and make it hard to breathe. Symptoms include shortness of breath, dry cough and chest tightness.

Pleural thickening happens when the lining around the lungs becomes stiff and thick from asbestos fibers. This can make it hard to breathe and cause chest pain. In severe cases, it can limit lung function.

These conditions are not cancer, but they are serious and can lower quality of life. Early detection and avoiding further exposure are important to help manage symptoms.

Identifying and Managing Asbestos Cement

Asbestos cement can be found in certain building materials, especially in older houses. Knowing where it is usually located and how to address it is important for the safety of homeowners, other home residents, office personnel and construction workers.

Asbestos is not part of cement produced today. Asbestos is heavily regulated, and the most common type of asbestos (chrysotile asbestos) is banned in the United States. Most companies will not risk using asbestos in cement due to legal claims filed by people with asbestos diseases.

Common on Homes Built Before 1990

Many homes built before 1990 may have asbestos cement in materials such as roofing sheets, siding, pipes or floor tiles. Asbestos was often used because it was strong, resistant to fire and a defense against water.

Homeowners should be aware that these common areas might contain asbestos cement:

• Roofing sheets
• Wall and ceiling panels
• Backer boards for tiles
• Water pipes
• Gutters and downspouts

Asbestos cement usually looks like a flat, gray material. Often, it is found in large, flat panels or sheets. The material is hard and does not bend easily. If the cement is not damaged, the asbestos fibers stay inside and do not pose an immediate risk.

People should avoid scraping, sanding, or cutting possible asbestos cement. Damaging the material can release floating fibers.

Requires Professional Testing and Abatement

It is not easy to tell if a material contains asbestos just by layperson inspection. Only a trained professional can test materials safely. They collect a small sample of the material and send it to a laboratory for analysis.

When asbestos cement must be removed or repaired, a licensed asbestos abatement company should be hired. These professionals have the proper safety gear and follow strict rules to keep asbestos fibers from spreading.

The abatement process includes:

People should not try to remove or repair asbestos cement by themselves. Improper handling increases health risks for everyone in the home. Local health departments usually have lists of certified asbestos professionals who can help.

Legal Options for Asbestos Exposure Victims

People exposed to asbestos cement at work or home have a right to seek financial help if they develop diseases linked to asbestos. These legal options depend on when and how a person was exposed. Compensation for mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases can lead to millions of dollars for victims.

Workers and Homeowners Eligible for Compensation

Many construction workers, repair personnel, home residents and homeowners did not know about the risks of asbestos cement when they were exposed. If they get sick from exposure, they may be eligible for money to pay medical bills and lost wages.

Who can file?

• Those working with or around asbestos cement
• Family members who lived in homes with asbestos cement
• Homeowners exposed from repairs
• Office personnel working in buildings with asbestos cement

What can they receive compensation for?

• Medical care
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering

Victims should collect work records, medical history and any proof of exposure. Acting quickly is important. There are time limits for making claims.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims and Personal Injury Lawsuits

People can file either lawsuits or asbestos trust fund claims. The difference is whether or not the companies responsible for the asbestos exposure are still actively operating.

Asbestos trust funds are accounts created by companies that are bankrupt – either no longer operating at all or now reorganized with different company names and subsidiaries. Trust funds pay victims for their illness.

How trust funds work:

• Victims fill out claim forms.
• Documents proving exposure and illness are needed.
• Payments vary by the type and seriousness of illness.

Lawsuits for asbestos exposure are filed if the company is still operating and has not reorganized. Victims can sue companies responsible for their exposure.

Lawsuits might provide more money than trust fund payments but can take longer to finish. Some cases settle out of court, while others may go to trial.

A lawyer with asbestos experience can guide victims through their options. Remember that victims can file legal claims against multiple companies if there are multiple involved in the exposure to asbestos. This means victims may file both lawsuits and trust fund claims if their case allows.

Final Thoughts: A Common Building Material With Deadly Consequences

Asbestos cement was once used in many homes, schools, offices, factories and other buildings. People liked it for being strong, fireproof and easy to shape.

Over time, experts found that tiny asbestos fibers can escape from cement products. When these fibers get into the air, people can breathe in or swallow them – and get sick. This health risk has led to strict rules on using asbestos in many countries.

Main Risks of Asbestos Cement:

• Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause cancer, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
• The symptoms may not appear for many years after exposure.
• There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.

Many buildings containing asbestos cement are still standing today. When these materials become damaged, they can release fibers into the air. Because of this, special care must be taken during repairs or demolition.

If a person suspects asbestos cement in their building, it is best not to disturb it. Hiring trained professionals for inspection and removal is the safest choice. The use of proper safety gear – like masks and suits – reduces the chance of exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Cement

Cement made with asbestos was widely used in building materials for many years. Health risks, handling methods and laws about its use are important to know.

Sources & Author

About the Writer, David Statman

David Statman is a Content Writer for Mesothelioma Guide. He received both his bachelor's and master's in journalism from West Virginia University, and has been in medical publishing since January 2022. He previously worked in sports journalism, primarily reporting on West Virginia sports for a number of publications.

He lives in Delaware with his wife, dog and two cats, and avidly competes as a professional wrestler in the Philadelphia area.