100 yr old houses

[Jayagowri Deenadayalan]

Hi,

   I am looking into buying a 4 unit multi family house which is 133 years old. What are the chances of the house having asbestos? If the inspection is done on the house and the inspector comes back and says there is one pipe inside the house which possibly could be asbestos. What are the next steps? Should i still proceed in buying the house or should i back off?

Thanks

Gowri

[Eric Gutierrez]

http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/workplacesafety...

When is Asbestos Dangerous

When left intact and undisturbed, asbestos containing materials do not pose a health risk to people working or living in buildings. Asbestos containing material is not generally considered to be harmful unless it is releasing dust or fibers into the air where they can be inhaled or ingested. Many of the fibers will become trapped in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat where they can then be removed, but some may pass deep into the lungs, or, if swallowed, into the digestive tract.

Asbestos is hazardous when it is friable. The term "friable" means that the asbestos is easily crumbled by hand, releasing fibers into the air. Sprayed on asbestos insulation is highly friable. Asbestos floor tile is not.

Asbestos-containing ceiling tiles, floor tiles, undamaged laboratory cabinet tops, shingles, fire doors, siding shingles, etc. will not release asbestos fibers unless they are disturbed or damaged in some way.

Asbestos pipe and boiler insulation does not present a hazard unless the protective canvas covering is cut or damaged in such a way that the asbestos underneath is actually exposed to the air.