The quality of the air we breathe is vital to our health, and two significant causes of poor air quality in the home can be the presence of mold or asbestos.

Mold and asbestos are both dangerous to come into contact with, but are they the same thing, and is asbestos essentially mold? The short answer is no, but let’s dive deeper.

The difference between asbestos and mold

While both are dangerous to our health, asbestos and mold originate from different sources and can affect our health in different ways. 

One of the primary differences between asbestos and mold is that mold is a biological matter – a fungus that develops and festers in the home. On the other hand, asbestos originates as a mineral found outside the home and is introduced to it via human-made construction materials. Asbestos-containing materials are no longer commonly manufactured or used, but buildings that pre-date the 1980s are likely to feature them.

Over time, mold can spread, and deteriorating asbestos can become airborne. 

If left unaddressed, mold has the ability to grow and spread, while the amount of asbestos present in your home cannot increase unless you physically bring more of it in. Asbestos is not a biologically living or reproductive matter. That said, while the amount may remain static, its microscopic fibers can become airborne if disturbed, and what was a material in a relatively dormant, harmless state suddenly poses a significant health risk. 

Mold Is Alive

Mold can grow and spread as it is a living organism, requiring the right amount of oxygen and moisture to thrive. 

Both can pose severe risks to your health, particularly with repeated exposure, and addressing their presence is vital to maintaining a healthy environment. 

Common places to find mold and asbestos in the home

Mold grows in areas where excessive moisture and humidity occur. A lack of ventilation prevents the evaporation of moisture, dampening surfaces and creating an optimal breeding ground for fungus. Mold commonly finds its way into dark areas of the home, such as attics, crawl spaces, cellars, basements, and damp rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. 

Due to its excellent insulation and fireproof properties, asbestos was used in abundance to manufacture construction materials for many decades. However, over time, research revealed that the dust created by the breakdown of asbestos causes microscopic fibers to become airborne. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can have dire health consequences for those exposed. 

Asbestos can be found in many buildings and construction materials

Asbestos is commonly found in older buildings’ wall insulation, firewall tarps, roofing shingles, popcorn ceilings, paints, vinyl floors and flooring adhesives, cement, boiler and electrical insulators, and more. 

Mold’s effects on health

Mold releases spores and bacteria into the air, with the potential to cause a variety of health issues, including:

  • Allergy symptoms such as irritated throat, eyes, and skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches
  • Lethargy

Long-term exposure to mold can cause severe respiratory issues.

Asbestos can cause more severe health issues

Repeated exposure to asbestos can result in various lung diseases and terminal illnesses such as mesothelioma – an aggressive and typically inoperable form of cancer

Final thoughts

While asbestos may present more severe health risks, mold is also a dangerous matter to live amongst, and both should be addressed and removed professionally once detected. Whether you’re remodeling, demolishing, selling, buying or just staying put – if you are unsure whether you have mold or asbestos in your home or other building, it is a good idea to get a professional test, for reasons of health, safety and legal liability.

AsbestosClaims.Law

AsbestosClaims.law is your comprehensive resource for all things asbestos. We hope this information helps you.

If you believe that your home was contaminated with asbestos, you could be entitled to significant compensation—money you could use to cover the costs of asbestos removal services, pay for medical treatment, and preemptively protect your physical well-being. 

In addition to legal claims, veterans disability, social security and employment protection like workers compensation, FELA and The Jones Act for maritime workers, there are asbestos trusts that have been set up to compensate those harmed by asbestos without having to file a lawsuit.
If you have any additional questions or concerns related to asbestos, including testing for exposure or how to file a claim, please get in touch by email at [email protected], or call or text us at (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) or (206) 455-9190.