Before 1980, asbestos was used widely in homes. One of these uses was in insulating electrical wire. It has now been realized that when asbestos gets disturbed, or when asbestos containing materials become worn, the asbestos can become airborne, be inhaled and contribute to a higher risk of Mesothelioma. If you live in an old home and have not had your electrical wiring checked for many years, then this could be causing you serious danger. You should thus ensure that a qualified electrician examines your home. Be sure to alert them should you believe that there may be asbestos in your home’s electrical wiring.

Why Was Asbestos used for Electrical Wire Insulation?

At one time, asbestos was considered to be an ideal building material and useful for a wide range of purposes. It is strong, fibrous, heat resistant, fireproof, and does not conduct electricity. Asbestos could therefore easily be turned into electrical wire insulation that would not be harmed by heat or fire, and that also insulated against the electricity passing through the electrical wire.

Why Asbestos Electrical Wire Insulation is No Longer Used

Asbestos electrical wire insulation, as with most other asbestos containing materials, is no longer being used. The reason for this is that when the asbestos containing material becomes worn or disturbed, it can emit tiny asbestos fibers into the air. If these fibers reach your lungs, they can cause serious health problems such as Mesothelioma.

Removing Asbestos Electrical Wire from your Home

Most new homes (since about 1980) will not contain any asbestos electrical wire. However, if your house has not been re-wired or checked since this time, then it is important that you get it inspected. You will probably need to work with an electrician to ensure that the electrical aspects are all safe, but you may also wish to get a specialized asbestos testing company to see whether special precautions need to be taken in removing asbestos from your home.

Asbestos electrical wire insulation was at one time commonly used due to its strength, heat and electrical resistance. Today, it is known that asbestos can lead to an increased risk of contracting serious health disorders such as Mesothelioma, and thus asbestos electrical wire insulation has now been replaced with rubber or plastic insulation. It is important that you seek professional help when removing asbestos containing materials from your home, especially when electricity is involved.