Does Asbestos Burn?

The short answer is yes, asbestos can burn. However, the conditions under which it can burn are quite specific, and extremely rare. Asbestos burns at extremely high temperatures, far surpassing the average house fire. 

That said, a burning building or product with asbestos can release harmful asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled by bystanders. In addition, the risks associated with asbestos fires are significant, so caution should always be taken.

Asbestos minerals are prized and known for their ability to resist significant heat and flame.

Until it was banned, asbestos was used in many products, most buildings and construction materials of all kinds.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in various industries in the past, such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding, due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. However, asbestos is also a known carcinogen, and exposure to its fibers can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Because of its health hazards, the use of asbestos has been heavily regulated or banned in many countries worldwide.

!

If you may have been exposed to asbestos, speak with your healthcare provider about tests and screening to help detect the presence of asbestos fibers and asbestos-related diseases.

Under extreme conditions, asbestos can burn and even break down.

One question that often arises in discussions about asbestos is whether it can burn. 

Asbestos is made up of long, thin fibers that can easily become airborne when disturbed. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are exposed to heat, the fibers can break apart and release into the air, creating a health hazard for anyone in the vicinity. As a result, fire safety is a critical concern when dealing with asbestos.

Asbestos can withstand many fires and extreme heat. 

Different types of asbestos are more heat resistant than others.

While asbestos is known for its heat resistance, it is not entirely fireproof. In fact, asbestos can ignite under certain conditions. The temperature at which asbestos ignites depends on several factors, including the type of asbestos, its form, and its level of purity. For example, pure white asbestos (chrysotile) has a higher ignition temperature than other types of asbestos, such as brown asbestos (amosite) or blue asbestos (crocidolite).

The form of asbestos also plays a role in its flammability. Asbestos fibers that are tightly bound together in a solid material, such as cement or insulation, are less likely to ignite than loose fibers that are dispersed in the air. Additionally, the size of the asbestos fibers can affect their flammability, with smaller fibers being more prone to ignition than larger ones.1

The conditions under which asbestos is exposed to heat can also influence its flammability. For example, if ACMs are damaged or deteriorated, they are more likely to ignite if exposed to heat. Asbestos that has been exposed to chemicals, moisture, or UV radiation can also become more susceptible to ignition.

Asbestos is also highly dangerous when burning.

Once ignited, asbestos can burn and release toxic fumes and smoke. The combustion of asbestos can generate several hazardous byproducts, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other toxic gases. These fumes can be lethal in high concentrations and can cause serious health problems even in low doses. Burning asbestos can also release asbestos fibers into the air, creating a health hazard for anyone in the vicinity.

The risks associated with asbestos fires are significant, and prevention is critical. The best way to prevent asbestos fires is to avoid exposing ACMs to heat, flame, or other ignition sources. This can be achieved through proper storage, handling, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. It is also important to ensure that any work involving ACMs is conducted by trained professionals who are familiar with the proper safety procedures.

Second-hand asbestos exposure (Secondary Asbestos Exposure)

Even the workers’ families were affected due to secondhand exposure—asbestos fibers are extremely durable and can cling to skin and clothing, traveling great distances with those directly exposed.

Asbestos fibers have no taste or smell, and can be microscopic, so you may not realize you were breathing them.

Unfortunately, many workers’ families and other household members were exposed to asbestos as well, as asbestos was brought home daily in neighborhoods across the U.S. on work-clothing. 

This is often known as secondary or second-hand asbestos exposure (or domestic / household family asbestos exposure). In studies of asbestos disease, 1 in 5 cases of asbestos exposure were caused by secondary asbestos exposure.2

But spouses and children can also receive a share of the $30 Billion in asbestos trust compensation if they were exposed to asbestos brought into the house or family vehicle by a worker.

Even when resisting heat and flame, asbestos can present significant health dangers.

In the event of an asbestos fire, it is important to take immediate action to minimize the risks. If possible, evacuate the area and call emergency services. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself, as this can release more asbestos fibers into the air. If you are exposed to asbestos smoke or fumes, seek medical attention immediately.

In conclusion, while asbestos is known for its heat resistance and durability, it is not entirely fireproof. Asbestos can ignite under certain conditions, and the risks associated with asbestos fires are significant. The best way to prevent asbestos fires is to avoid exposing ACMs to heat, flame, or other ignition sources, and to ensure that any work involving ACMs is conducted by trained professionals who are familiar with the proper safety procedures. In the event of an asbestos fire, it is important to take immediate action to minimize the risks and protect the health of individuals in the vicinity.

Do You Qualify For Compensation?

Quickly and easily find out how you were exposed by searching W.A.R.D., the largest asbestos database on the planet.

Economic and environmental costs associated with asbestos

In addition to the health risks associated with asbestos fires, there are also significant economic and environmental costs. Asbestos fires can cause extensive damage to buildings and property, as well as increase the cost of asbestos abatement and disposal. The release of asbestos fibers into the air can also contaminate the surrounding environment and pose a hazard to wildlife and ecosystems.

Call us at (833) 427-2378

Proper asbestos abatement and removal

The risks associated with asbestos fires highlight the importance of proper asbestos management and disposal. In many countries, asbestos is heavily regulated or banned, and proper procedures must be followed for its removal and disposal. In some cases, asbestos-containing materials may be encapsulated or sealed to prevent the release of fibers into the air.3 In other cases, asbestos may need to be completely removed and disposed of according to strict regulations.

Improved methods of asbestos disposal

In recent years, there have been advancements in technologies and methods for the safe handling and disposal of asbestos. For example, some companies have developed encapsulation techniques that can effectively contain asbestos fibers and prevent them from becoming airborne. Others have developed safer methods for removing and disposing of asbestos, such as wet methods that minimize the release of fibers into the air. These methods are far better than simply burying asbestos fibers, which does not remove the problem, instead just kicking it down the road.

In conclusion, while asbestos can burn under certain conditions, the risks associated with asbestos fires are significant and can have serious health, economic, and environmental consequences. 

The best way to prevent asbestos fires is to avoid exposing ACMs to heat, flame, or other ignition sources and to follow proper safety procedures for handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. It is important to stay informed about the risks associated with asbestos and to take action to protect the health and safety of individuals in the vicinity. 

If you have reason to believe you have asbestos in your home or on your property, consider having a professional test a sample for asbestos and if necessary, remove it safely and legally.

Asbestos management and disposal remain critical issues, and continued research and innovation are needed to develop safer and more effective methods for dealing with this hazardous material.

AsbestosClaims.Law

For Justinian C. Lane, getting compensation for asbestos victims is personal.

Justinian’s grandparents and his father all worked with asbestos in their younger years and died from asbestos-related cancers in their later years.  

At the time of each of their deaths, no one in Justinian’s family knew that they were eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit and to seek compensation from the asbestos trusts.

Because no one in Justinian’s family knew their options, they never received any compensation for the death of their loved ones. 

If you believe that you or your family member’s injury was related to asbestos exposure, you could be entitled to significant compensation.

This is money you could use to cover the costs of asbestos removal services, pay for medical treatment, and preemptively protect your physical well-being. 

There are also asbestos trusts that offer compensation much more quickly and easily (without filing a lawsuit.)

If you’d like help with filing 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. We’ll listen to your story and explain your options. And we never charge for anything unless you receive money in your pocket.

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.

There is no risk or cost to speak with one of our staff about your asbestos litigation. There are no fees unless you receive money.

If you have any additional questions or concerns related to asbestos, check out our website and YouTube page for videos, infographics and answers to your questions about asbestos, including health and safety, asbestos testing, removing asbestos from your home and building, and legal information about compensation for asbestos injuries.

Introducing the largest database of asbestos information on the planet.

W.A.R.D., which stands for the Worldwide Asbestos Research Database, helps clients to narrow down when and where they may have been exposed, as well as which products may still contain asbestos. W.A.R.D. will also help indicate compensation types and how much a person may be entitled to.

1 Temperature properties of asbestos cloth or fabric, Inspectapedia.
2 Tompa E, Kalcevich C, McLeod C, Lebeau M, Song C, McLeod K, et al. The economic burden of lung cancer and mesothelioma due to occupational and para-occupational asbestos exposure. Occup Environ Med 2017; 74: 816-22.
3 Laura, G., Valentina, C. and Maurizio, F., Asbestos fibers breakdown by Self-sustained High temperature Synthesis-SHS.