> the fibers are not coming out and will continue rolling cancer dice while they're in there
This is rather alarmist. The truth is more nuanced. This resource [1] lists a variety of biological mechanisms that work to remove asbestos fibers from the lungs beyond simply coughing them out, such as via "alveolar macrophages".
> Doing a DIY reno on your asbestos-containing walls absolutely can kill you
This is true, but if this made any readers anxious, it's important to note that "light, short-term exposure rarely causes disease" and that it is "not uncommon for homeowners to do a renovation and then realize afterward that they disturbed asbestos products. Fortunately, the risk from this is low." [2]
My advice is that if you are going to renovate your home, unless it is quite new and you have good reason to believe there is no risk of asbestos contamination, you should assume that materials like tiles, plaster, drywall, insulation, etc., may contain asbestos, and get them tested before commencing. However, if you have renovated in the past and are anxious about exposure, chill out. You can't change anything now, and unless you were renovating regularly, you'll very likely be fine.
Remember that if you live in a rural area, you can be exposed to asbestos via natural weathering of rock. If you live in an urban area, you have likely been exposed to asbestos via construction and demolition work taking place nearby.
This is rather alarmist. The truth is more nuanced. This resource [1] lists a variety of biological mechanisms that work to remove asbestos fibers from the lungs beyond simply coughing them out, such as via "alveolar macrophages".
> Doing a DIY reno on your asbestos-containing walls absolutely can kill you
This is true, but if this made any readers anxious, it's important to note that "light, short-term exposure rarely causes disease" and that it is "not uncommon for homeowners to do a renovation and then realize afterward that they disturbed asbestos products. Fortunately, the risk from this is low." [2]
My advice is that if you are going to renovate your home, unless it is quite new and you have good reason to believe there is no risk of asbestos contamination, you should assume that materials like tiles, plaster, drywall, insulation, etc., may contain asbestos, and get them tested before commencing. However, if you have renovated in the past and are anxious about exposure, chill out. You can't change anything now, and unless you were renovating regularly, you'll very likely be fine.
Remember that if you live in a rural area, you can be exposed to asbestos via natural weathering of rock. If you live in an urban area, you have likely been exposed to asbestos via construction and demolition work taking place nearby.
[1] https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/asbestos/biological_fate_of_a...
[2] https://www.asbestos.com/exposure/short-term/