The answer is yes, it can but not in the way that you may think. Most modern Stucco does not have asbestos, and the stucco that does have asbestos has asbestos in concentrations that are very small.
When a home owner decides to renovate their property, they want to know what materials are safe to use. This includes everything from insulation to siding, flooring to paint.
The last thing you want is to accidentally introduce a toxic substance into your home, such as asbestos. This is especially true for stucco, which has been used in millions of homes throughout the world.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that forms when atoms in source rocks bond together to form long and thin crystals. They are formed through complex geological processes under specific environmental conditions.
As a fibrous silicate mineral, asbestos is resistant to heat and electricity. It is also resistant to corrosion and has high tensile strength.
Chrysotile is the most common form of asbestos and was used in about ninety percent of commercial products worldwide until the 1980s. Besides being found in insulation, it was also used in textiles, brake linings, clutch facings and ropes.
Tremolite is another type of asbestos, and is found in talc and vermiculite mines. It was incorporated into attic insulation, ironing board covers and aprons, roofing felt and tar paper.
Asbestos is a toxic mineral that can cause cancers of the chest, lungs and other organs. It is the primary cause of mesothelioma, a cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Many types of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are friable, which means they can be easily broken with hand pressure and release asbestos fibres into the air. They are especially dangerous in the hands of children or those with weaker immune systems.
Non-friable ACMs are bonded with cement, vinyl, resin or other polymers that make them hard and resistant to damage. This makes them less likely to release toxic fibres into the air if they are not damaged or disturbed.
Nevertheless, these products can become friable when they are badly damaged, such as from hail damage or a chemical mist over time. This is why it is important to take extra care when handling and removing asbestos-containing material, including stucco.
For example, if stucco is made from a material called Category I nonfriable mastic, it must not be dry scraped or sanded during demolition or renovation. Using mastic-reducing solvent or an infrared heating device to loosen the mastic is an acceptable removal method.
Asbestos is a mineral that has been used for various applications over the years. These include acoustical plaster on ceilings, fireproofing insulation, and other materials sprayed or troweled on surfaces for acoustical and fireproofing purposes.
Friable asbestos is the type of material that can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure. When this happens, the asbestos fibers may be released into the air and inhaled by people.
Nonfriable asbestos, on the other hand, cannot be crumbled or pulverized by hand pressure and normally does not release any inhalable fibres into the air. These products are typically made from a bonding compound, such as cement, mixed with a small proportion (usually less than 15%) of asbestos.
If you suspect your stucco is contaminated with asbestos, contact a professional to have it tested. This can be done using a process called Polarized Light Microscopy.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was added to a variety of building products, including stucco. It provides the material with durability, strength, fire-resistance and insulation properties.
In the early 1900s, it was very common for a plaster mix to include asbestos particles to increase its strength and durability. The resulting plaster was often used for sound insulation and decorative purposes.
Despite its toxic nature, asbestos isn’t always easy to spot, especially in older homes. If you suspect your home may have asbestos, consider hiring a professional to test your property.
If you find asbestos in your building, it must be removed or properly remediated before it can pose a health risk to anyone living there. Asbestos is a powerful carcinogen that can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. It also weakens the immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infection. The latency period for these illnesses can extend from ten to 71 years.
