Asbestos and Your Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Asbestos exposure remains a serious health concern in West Michigan, especially in older homes, industrial buildings, and auto-related workplaces common in Grand Rapids. Understanding the risks and knowing how to stay safe can help protect you and your family.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. These fibers are:

  • Very strong
  • Heat and fire resistant
  • Chemically stable

Because of these properties, asbestos was widely used in the United States—especially from the 1940s through the late 1970s—in:

  • Roofing and siding
  • Asbestos cement sheets and pipes
  • Boilers and insulation
  • Floor tiles and vinyl flooring
  • Clutch and brake linings (important in Michigan’s auto industry)
  • Electrical fittings and gaskets
  • Building materials in homes, schools, factories, and offices
  • Some plastics and textiles

Asbestos Use Today

It is now illegal to use asbestos in new products in the United States. However, many older buildings in Grand Rapids and across Kent County still contain asbestos materials, especially those built or renovated before 1990.

Asbestos in Grand Rapids: Why It Matters Locally

Grand Rapids has:

  • A large stock of older housing, especially in neighborhoods like Heritage Hill and older suburbs
  • A history of manufacturing, auto repair, and construction work
  • Cold winters, which mean buildings are tightly sealed and heating systems run heavily, increasing the chance of disturbing old insulation and building materials

These factors can increase the risk of asbestos exposure during:

  • Home renovations or DIY projects
  • Demolition or remodeling of older commercial buildings
  • Work in construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and auto repair shops

If you live or work in an older property in Grand Rapids, it’s important to be aware of where asbestos may be present and how to handle it safely.

How Asbestos Harms Your Health

The Main Risk: Breathing in Asbestos Fibers

Asbestos is most dangerous when materials containing it are:

  • Cut
  • Drilled
  • Sanded
  • Sawed
  • Broken
  • Burned

These actions can release tiny asbestos fibers into the air. When inhaled, the fibers can become trapped deep in the lungs and remain there for many years.

Over time, this can cause serious diseases, including:

  • Asbestosis (a chronic lung disease)
  • Lung cancer
  • Pleural disorders (pleural plaques and pleural thickening)
  • Malignant mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen)

The risk of disease depends on:

  • How much asbestos you were exposed to
  • How long the exposure lasted
  • Whether you smoke (smoking plus asbestos greatly increases lung cancer risk)

Who Is Most at Risk in West Michigan?

People at highest risk are those who worked with asbestos before strict safety regulations were in place, especially from the 1940s–1980s. In and around Grand Rapids, higher-risk jobs have included:

  • Power and energy industries
  • Construction and demolition
  • Shipbuilding and heavy industry
  • Manufacturing plants that used asbestos products
  • Railroad and industrial building construction
  • Auto repair (especially older brake and clutch work)
  • Plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and HVAC trades

Family members of these workers may also have been exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on clothing, shoes, or tools.

Even today, self‑employed tradespeople and DIY homeowners in Grand Rapids can still be exposed when they disturb asbestos-containing materials in older buildings.

Asbestos in the Home in Grand Rapids

Homes and buildings built or renovated before 1990 in Michigan may contain asbestos in:

  • Cement sheet (used for walls, eaves, and roofs)
  • Pipe and boiler insulation
  • Old vinyl floor tiles and backing
  • Ceiling tiles and textured coatings
  • Roofing shingles and siding
  • Some adhesives and mastics

When Asbestos Is Usually Safe

If asbestos-containing materials are:

  • In good condition
  • Not cracked, crumbling, or damaged
  • Not being cut, drilled, sanded, or removed

…then the fibers are usually tightly bound and very few escape into the air. In this state, they are unlikely to cause health problems.

When Asbestos Becomes Dangerous

Asbestos fibers are most likely to be released when materials are disturbed, such as during:

  • Home renovations and remodeling
  • Demolition of old garages, sheds, or additions
  • Drilling into walls or ceilings
  • Cutting, grinding, or sanding old flooring or roofing
  • Improper removal of old insulation

If you suspect a material in your Grand Rapids home contains asbestos, do not disturb it. Get professional advice before starting any work.

Asbestos and Fire Damage

Fires in older homes or buildings in Grand Rapids can involve asbestos-containing materials. Studies show that:

  • The amount of asbestos fibers released into the air during a fire is usually relatively low
  • However, asbestos clumps and fibers can remain in the ash and debris

Cleaning Up After a Fire

If asbestos-containing materials may have burned on your property:

  • Do not dry sweep or use a standard vacuum
  • Wet down dust and debris to reduce airborne fibers
  • Wear protective equipment (at minimum: a proper respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls)

The safest option is to hire a licensed asbestos removal professional to manage cleanup.

Asbestosis (Not Cancer)

Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of asbestos fibers.

  • It may take 5 to 20 years (often longer) after exposure before symptoms appear.
  • Inhaled fibers cause scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs, giving them a “honeycomb” appearance on imaging.
  • The scar tissue is hard and inflexible, making the lungs stiff and less able to expand.

Common symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath, especially with activity
  • Tightness or pain in the chest
  • Persistent cough
  • Fatigue
  • Bluish tinge to the skin or lips (from lack of oxygen)

Asbestosis usually worsens over time and can lead to respiratory failure and death.
There is no cure, but early diagnosis and supportive care can help manage symptoms.

Doctors at Grand Rapids hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health – University of Michigan Health may use:

  • Chest X-rays or CT scans
  • Lung function tests (spirometry)

…to diagnose asbestosis and monitor lung function.

Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, often many years after exposure has stopped.

  • Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos will not develop lung cancer.
  • The risk is much higher for people who both smoke and have had significant asbestos exposure.

If you are worried about your risk of lung cancer due to past asbestos exposure in a Grand Rapids workplace or home, speak with your:

  • Primary care provider
  • Pulmonologist or oncologist at a local system such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Mercy Health

Watch for symptoms such as:

  • Persistent cough
  • Coughing up blood
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath

Pleural Disorders (Pleural Plaques and Pleural Thickening)

The pleura is the thin tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs. Asbestos exposure can cause:

  • Pleural plaques – thickened patches on the pleura
  • Diffuse pleural thickening – more widespread scarring of the pleura
  • Pleural effusions – fluid buildup in the chest cavity

These conditions:

  • Are not cancerous
  • Often cause no symptoms
  • Can reduce lung capacity in some people

They usually show up on:

  • Chest X-rays
  • CT scans
  • Lung function tests

Malignant Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer, mainly caused by asbestos exposure.

  • It usually affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma)
  • It can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), though this is less common
  • It typically develops 20–40 years after exposure

Even if you haven’t been exposed to asbestos for decades, it is still possible to develop mesothelioma later in life.

Mesothelioma is not the same as lung cancer, although both can be linked to asbestos.

If you are concerned about mesothelioma because of past work in Michigan industries (construction, auto, manufacturing, shipyards, or power plants), talk to your doctor. They may refer you to cancer specialists at:

  • Spectrum Health Cancer Center (Corewell Health)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids cancer services
  • Other oncology centers in West Michigan

Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos do not develop mesothelioma, but early evaluation is important if symptoms appear (chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal swelling).

In the United States, asbestos and most asbestos-containing products are banned from new use. However:

  • Existing asbestos-containing materials in older buildings (such as vinyl floor tiles, asbestos cement roofing or siding) can remain in place if they are in good condition.
  • These materials should be left undisturbed until they need to be repaired or replaced.

Licensed Asbestos Removal

In Michigan:

  • Only licensed asbestos abatement contractors are allowed to remove significant amounts of asbestos-containing materials.
  • These contractors must follow strict regulations for safe handling, transport, and disposal.

Do not attempt large-scale asbestos removal on your own. Improper handling can greatly increase the risk to you, your family, and your neighbors.

Emotional and Practical Support

Thinking about asbestos exposure and the possibility of serious illness can be overwhelming. Many people feel:

  • Shocked or anxious
  • Worried about their family’s health
  • Concerned about their work history or home safety

It can help to talk with:

  • Your primary care doctor or pulmonologist
  • A trusted friend or family member
  • A counselor or psychologist
  • An experienced asbestos or mesothelioma attorney (for legal and compensation questions)
  • Local or national cancer support groups

Local Resources for Asbestos Information and Help (Grand Rapids & Michigan)

If you live in Grand Rapids or Kent County and have questions about asbestos, you can contact:

  • Kent County Health Department

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids

    • Check the City of Grand Rapids website for environmental and housing code information
    • Website: grandrapidsmi.gov

  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

    • For rules on asbestos disposal and environmental protection
    • Website: michigan.gov/egle

  • MIOSHA (Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

    • For information about asbestos in the workplace and finding licensed asbestos abatement contractors
    • Website: michigan.gov/miosha

  • Local Hospitals and Clinics in Grand Rapids

    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Butterworth Hospital & Blodgett Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
      These systems offer pulmonary, radiology, and oncology services for evaluating asbestos-related conditions.

  • Cancer Support Services in Michigan

    • Many cancer centers in Grand Rapids offer nurse navigators, social workers, and support groups for lung cancer and mesothelioma patients and families.

Always verify current phone numbers and contact details through official websites, as they may change over time.

Key Points About Asbestos and Your Health in Grand Rapids

  • Asbestos was widely used in the United States before its health risks were well known, especially in older homes and industrial buildings common in Grand Rapids.
  • Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers is the greatest risk to health.
  • These fibers can remain in the lungs and, over many years, cause diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural disorders, and mesothelioma.
  • People with past work in construction, power industries, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and auto repair in Michigan may have higher risk.
  • When asbestos-containing materials are intact and undisturbed, they usually do not pose a significant risk.
  • Asbestos becomes dangerous when it is cut, drilled, broken, burned, or removed without proper safety measures.
  • If you suspect asbestos in your Grand Rapids home or workplace, do not disturb it—seek professional advice and, if needed, a licensed asbestos removal contractor.
  • If you are worried about your health or past exposure, talk to your doctor and consider evaluation at a local Grand Rapids healthcare provider.

If you’d like, I can help you create a checklist of questions to ask your Grand Rapids doctor about past asbestos exposure and screening options.