On my, what a journey! I wonder if her doctors know this? There are lots of links on asbestos exposure, where it is found, how to have an assessment done, and its link to cancer. http://www.asbestos.com

Yikes.....Just to have someone rip it all down and stucco the house I guess?

Asbestos usually causes problems in the lung area. My friend died of it. That siding is extremely hazardous and I'm surprised the housing authorities would allow it to stand.

To my knowledge it is only when asbestos dust is breathed in that it causes physiological problems such as corrosion of lungs and chronic bronchitis. Once the asbestos has been molded into stable sheeting they do not release any more dust. Therefore the cause of the ailments suffered by your neighbors could not be due to their houses having asbestos sidings. Also these days what we call as asbestos sheets are mostly reinforced cement sheets and do not contain any asbestos. I think the ailments you have listed are purely coincidental. To me, you have no cause for worry. . You must know I am no expert on this topic. I just told you what I know in good faith. If you are still worried you could consult experts in the medical and engineering fraternity.

When I was taking geology in college, my professor said that there are two kinds of asbestos. One forms a barbed crystal similar to an arrowhead. This asbestos is deadly because it is friable and lightweight. Whatever its application, it quickly crumbles into airbourne dust that is easily inhaled. Once it is in your lungs, it buries into the lung tissue and can't be expelled because of the barbed arrowhead shape. The other asbestos forms a spherical crystal. It does not crumble easily and it does not get into the lungs easily. If it does get into your lungs, it is easily expelled. Both were used in building applications. Siding is one of those applications that is rarely dangerous, as long as it is in good condition. http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/What_is_Asbestos_-Safety-A2092.html As for your neighbor, the liver is usually the next natural progression for breast cancer, and in fact, is usually breast cancer in the liver, not liver cancer. It is usually still an estrogen sensitive cancer.

"Asbestos siding was used extensively in buildings and homes from the 1930s until the 1970s, when it's use was banned. Originally, asbestos siding was used because of the fire resistant properties of asbestos. Because asbestos in a mineral and fibrous, adding asbestos to siding materials also increases strength and durability, while providing some insulation and fireproofing to the structure. Even if asbestos shingles are on your home, if they are in good condition and left undisturbed, they are usually NOT a serious problem. The mere presence of asbestos in a home or a building is not hazardous. The danger is that asbestos materials may become damaged over time and become airborne. Damaged asbestos may release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard." "The Environmental Protection Agency regulations that govern asbestos removal and disposal are the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. OSHA has regs that apply to school systems. TSCA (under EPA) has regulations governing disposal. Except for disposal, these rules, however, do not apply to houses of four families or less. An owner of a single-family residence can remove and dispose of asbestos cement shingles without being subject to federal restrictions that apply to contractors. There will most likely be state and local ordinances governing asbestos shingles and their removal. These may prohibit removal and disposal by anyone other than a licensed and certified asbestos contractor. Your state's regs may apply to homeowners - check - if they do then: State permits are often required of contractors for the removal of asbestos containing asphalt/ bituminous roofing products and asbestos cement shingles/panels under the following conditions: - 160 square feet of friable asbestos containing roofing materials will be removed. - 5580 square feet of nonfriable asbestos containing materials such as built up roofing will be removed using a rotating blade cutter. - 160 square feet of nonfriable asbestos/cement roofing products will be removed using techniques that will create friable asbestos containing material (ACM). NOTE: Friable ACM means the material has been crumbled, pulverized, reduced to powder, or has otherwise deteriorated so that the asbestos is no longer likely to be bound within its matrix. Permits must usually be obtained ten (10)working days prior to staring the removal of regulated asbestos containing roofing material. Within 45 calendar days from the completion date stated on the permit, the owner or his representative must submit a completed Waste Shipment record to the state or county agency. Before removing any asbestos-containing material from your house, you should check with your local government authority; usually the county health department will know." "REMOVAL is usually the most expensive method and, unless required by state or local regulations, should be the last option considered in most situations. This is because removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release. However, removal may be required when remodeling or making major changes to your home that will disturb asbestos material. Also, removal may be called for if asbestos material is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired. Removal is complex and must be done only by a contractor with special training. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family. But be forewarned: asbestos-cement shingles can cost a bundle to remove and properly dispose of." Source and further information: http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/asbestoshomeshingles.php Further information: - "Asbestos Removal Procedures for Home Owners": http://www.airquality.utah.gov/HAPs/ASBESTOS/info/asbstrem.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos#Health_issues

I would think that it could be tested for carcegenic traits. If positive she might be able to go against the manulacturer if it's still around. I'm sure there are hazardous waste dumps around. The the issue is to have a professional determine if there's a problem.

Oh! I'm so sorry to hear that NUNYA! I would call your local City Hall and they could tell you! I wish them well!