Do I need to worry about Asbestos?
It’s complicated.
If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a decent chance it contains asbestos. Once celebrated for its durability and fire resistance, asbestos was a staple in construction materials for decades. But as we’ve learned, it comes with serious health risks when disturbed. And here’s the kicker: asbestos has never been fully banned in the U.S. Yes, really.
This means asbestos can still be found in many older homes, from insulation to floor tiles and roofing materials. So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast eager to refresh your space or a contractor preparing for a renovation, knowing where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) might be hiding isn’t just important—it’s essential.
Spotting potential ACMs and handling them safely can protect you, your family, and even your neighbors from exposure. So, before you break out the sledgehammer, take a moment to learn the facts and consider consulting a professional. When it comes to asbestos, a little caution goes a long way.
Why Identifying Asbestos Matters
Asbestos fibers are dangerous when they become airborne. Activities like sanding, cutting, or drilling can disturb ACMs, releasing those fibers into the air. Breathing them in can lead to long-term health issues like lung disease and mesothelioma. The best way to stay safe? Test before you disturb.
10 Common Places Asbestos Can Be Found
1. Pipe Insulation
Insulation around older pipes often contains asbestos. You’ll usually spot it as a white or gray material. It’s harmless if left intact, but if it’s damaged, those fibers can easily spread.
2. Vinyl Floor Tiles and Adhesives
Vinyl tiles, especially the smaller 9×9-inch ones, and their adhesives often contained asbestos. These were popular in mid-20th century homes for their toughness and affordability.
3. Ceiling Tiles and Textured Ceilings
Remember those “popcorn” ceilings? Many of them contain asbestos. Ceiling tiles from homes built in the 1950s to 1970s often do, too.
4. Roofing Shingles and Felt
Roofing materials like shingles and felt were made tougher with asbestos. If your roof is original to your older home, there’s a good chance it includes these materials.
5. Boiler and Furnace Insulation
Insulation for high-heat appliances like boilers and furnaces often used asbestos. It’s common in Michigan basements and still lurking in many older homes.
6. Cement Siding and Pipes
Asbestos cement, sometimes called “transite,” was a favorite for siding and pipes. It’s durable and weather-resistant, which is why it’s often still in place.
7. Drywall and Joint Compound
Some older drywall and the compound used to seal seams were reinforced with asbestos. If your home was built or remodeled before the 1980s, you might want to test these materials.
8. Vermiculite Insulation
This pebble-like insulation was often used in attics and walls. If it came from Libby, Montana, it likely contains asbestos.
9. Window Putty
The glazing used to seal older wooden window frames sometimes included asbestos. Cracked or crumbling putty can release fibers.
10. Electrical Insulation
Asbestos was used to fireproof wiring, breaker boxes, and electrical panels in older homes. If your home still has its original electrical system, it’s worth investigating.
How ETL Can Help
If you’re not sure whether your home or job site contains asbestos, testing is the first step. ETL offers professional asbestos testing so you can make informed decisions about what comes next.
- Homeowners: Before starting any renovations or DIY projects, get your home tested. It’s the easiest way to protect your family from unexpected risks.
- Contractors: Testing ACMs before starting a project helps you meet safety standards, protect your crew, and avoid costly delays.
Don’t Guess—Test!
When it comes to asbestos, guessing isn’t just risky—it can lead to serious health hazards, project delays, and costly mistakes. Whether you’re a homeowner or contractor, understanding what you’re dealing with is the first step to staying safe and compliant. At ETL, we provide fast, reliable asbestos testing to give you the answers you need.
If the material is non-friable or low-risk, we can even guide you through the process of safely collecting a sample yourself, saving you time and money. Our team will ensure you know exactly how to handle the situation and what steps to take next, making the process as straightforward as possible.
Don’t leave it to chance. Contact us today to schedule your asbestos testing and let us help you move forward with confidence, whether it’s a DIY project or a large-scale renovation.
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