Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in various types of rock around the world. From the 1940s through the 1970s, it was extensively used in manufacturing, especially in building materials, due to its:
- Fire resistance
- Durability
- Cost-effectiveness
Unfortunately, it was later found that inhaling asbestos fibers poses serious risks to respiratory health. Exposure to these fibers can lead to severe health issues, including:
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
- Non-cancerous lung diseases
These conditions are incurable and ultimately fatal.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found in Your Home?
Although the United States banned spray-on asbestos and several other uses in the late 1970s, asbestos can still be found in some older homes. In these properties, it may be present in various construction materials, such as:
- Paint
- Floor tiles
- Insulation
Before the 1980s, many American homes and public buildings, including schools and government housing, contained asbestos in materials like:
- Some vinyl floor tiles
- Asbestos insulation around steam lines
- Cement asbestos board siding and under sheeting
- Asbestos roofing felt for shingles
- Textured paint
- Vermiculite insulation
While most residential uses of asbestos are now prohibited, it is still allowed in certain applications in the US.
Signs That Your Home Might Contain Asbestos
Detecting asbestos can be challenging, as it may be hidden in plain sight within your home. Asbestos can appear as green, brown, or blue fluffy fibers, but it can also be present in tiny fragments within materials like cement or plastic, making it hard to identify on your own.
Asbestos becomes hazardous when disturbed, so it’s important not to attempt to search for it yourself. Although you can collect samples for testing, it’s safer to have an asbestos professional handle the task.
Here are some indicators that your home might contain asbestos:
- The home was built before the early 1980s
- It features corrugated roofing
- It has an older cement water tank
- It contains vinyl flooring or millboard installed between 1952 and 1982
- It has vermiculite insulation
- It includes walls or other interior surfaces made of cement sheets
Everyday Ways You Might Be Exposed to Asbestos at Home
Here are some common activities that can lead to asbestos exposure in the home:
- DIY home improvements, like remodeling the attic
- Replacing old pipes
- Drilling through drywall
- Removing vinyl floor tiles
- Cutting pipe insulation
- Removing popcorn ceilings
When to Have Asbestos Testing Done in Your Home
In the 20th century, asbestos was commonly used in construction materials and home insulation due to its durability and resistance to heat, corrosion, and electricity. However, extensive research has since revealed its high toxicity, leading to its ban. Asbestos-related diseases now cause around 255,000 deaths each year, including conditions such as:
- Stomach tumors
- Asbestosis
- Stroke
- Pleural plaques
Most homeowners may never need to test their homes for asbestos. Simply having asbestos in your home isn’t hazardous unless the fibers are disturbed and inhaled. You should consider hiring a professional for asbestos testing if you:
- Plan to undertake construction work
- Notice damage to drywall, siding, or piping
- Are considering a remodel
- Have other concerns about potential asbestos exposure
How Asbestos Testing is Conducted
The duration of an asbestos inspection can vary based on the size of your home, ranging from a few hours to several days. During the inspection, the asbestos expert will follow these steps:
- Turn Off HVAC Systems: Shut down heating and cooling systems to prevent the spread of any particles.
- Prepare the Test Area: Cover the surface beneath the test area with a water and soap solution to reduce fiber release.
- Collect Samples: Carefully take small samples of potentially hazardous materials, aiming to disturb them as little as possible.
- Secure the Samples: Place the collected material into sealed containers for safe transport.
- Clean the Area: Clean the inspection site and dispose of any remaining materials.
- Gather Loose Fibers: Use a wet cloth to collect any loose materials or fibers outside the covered area.
- Submit Samples for Testing: Send the collected samples to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
What to Do If Asbestos is Found in Your Home
If asbestos is discovered in your home, your next steps will depend on several factors:
- Type of Asbestos
- Location
- Friability (Whether it is easily crumbled)
Friable asbestos is more dangerous because it can easily disintegrate and release hazardous airborne particles. Conversely, non-friable asbestos is generally safer if it remains in good condition.
Based on the condition and location of the asbestos, your asbestos expert will recommend either removal or repair. If removal is necessary, you will need to vacate the house until an air test confirms that all asbestos residues have been cleared.
While removal is typically more expensive than repair, addressing the issue with repairs first can make future removal more complex and costly.
- Encapsulation (Sealing)
Encapsulation involves applying a sealant to asbestos-containing materials to either coat them or bond the asbestos fibers, preventing them from becoming airborne. This method is effective for insulating materials around furnaces, pipes, and boilers. - Covering (Enclosure)
Covering involves placing a protective wrap or jacket around the asbestos-containing material to prevent the release of fibers.
Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself, as improper handling can worsen the problem. Always hire a professional for asbestos removal. Although it can be costly, with average removal expenses ranging from $1,100 to $2,800, it is a worthwhile investment for ensuring safety.
Guidelines for Safe Asbestos Removal
- Written Confirmation
Obtain written confirmation from the contractor that they have adhered to all relevant asbestos removal and disposal regulations. - Verify Contractor Credentials
Hire only contractors who are state-authorized for asbestos abatement work. Request references and examples of similar projects they have recently completed. - Request a Disposal Manifest
Before paying the final invoice, ask for a disposal manifest to ensure the contractor will dispose of the asbestos material at an authorized landfill. - Check Safety Records
Investigate if the company has any safety violations. Contact the local air pollution control board, the worker safety organization, and the Better Business Bureau. - Confirm Insurance Coverage
Ensure the contractor has both workers’ compensation and general liability insurance for asbestos-related activities. Most states require contractors to notify state, federal, and local agencies before starting abatement operations. - Ensure Proper Equipment and Safety Gear
Verify that the contractor uses the appropriate tools and that all workers are equipped with respirators, gloves, and other approved protective gear. - Final Inspection by Hygiene Expert
Have the industrial hygiene expert who initially assessed your home return to the site before the contractor removes the containment system. The expert should take air samples to confirm that no asbestos fibers have been released.
Conclusion
Asbestos is a hazardous material, and attempting to handle it yourself—such as by vacuuming or sweeping—can release dangerous fibers into the air, putting your family’s health at risk. Always exercise caution and rely on professionals for safe asbestos inspections and remediation.
Ensure that any asbestos-related work complies with regulations set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and relevant state asbestos laws. Violations can lead to written warnings, and more severe breaches may result in criminal charges, imprisonment, or civil fines of up to $25,000 per violation.
