Many buildings contain asbestos which was used in spray applied flame retardant thermal system insulation and in a variety of other materials. Asbestos was sometimes flocked above false ceilings, inside technical ducts, and in many other small spaces where firefighters would have difficulty gaining access. Structural components like asbestos panels were also used. In residences, asbestos was often a component of a type of flocked acoustic ceiling called popcorn ceiling .Depending on how and where asbestos was applied, it might not pose any risk to most users of the building. If the fibers cannot become dislodged, they cannot be inhaled, and thus the asbestos poses no risk.
However, some methods of applying asbestos, particularly flocking allow asbestos fibers to gradually drop off into the air. Asbestos poses hazards to maintenance personnel who have to drill holes in walls for installation of cables or pipes. Even if the workers are protected, such maintenance operation may release fibers into the air, which may be inhaled by others. Interventions in areas where asbestos is present often have to follow stringent procedures.
When asbestos fibers can easily be made into airborne dust, the material is known as friable. For example, as popcorn ceiling is extremely friable, whereas asbestos floor tile is considered non-friable.
The National Center for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD) is a research centre funded by the federal government as part of the Government's. package with measures aimed at prevention, treatment and support for cancer patients and their families. Through the NHMRC.