How to Identify Asbestos Materials That May Need Removal

Asbestos has been incorporated into thousands of products, such as building materials, automotive parts and consumer items. Industries frequently used asbestos for its durability and fire-resistant qualities. It was a popular additive to products particularly from the 1930s to the mid-1970s.

In 1984, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a national survey of friable, or easily broken, asbestos in public buildings. At the time, the EPA stated 20% of public and private buildings contained friable asbestos.

Asbestos may still be present in homes and buildings built before 1980. Asbestos fibers are not visible to the human eye and can be difficult to identify. It’s important for people to be aware of common materials that may contain asbestos to prevent exposure.

Building Materials Containing Asbestos

  • Caulking
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Cement sheeting
  • Concrete
  • Electrical breakers
  • Millboard
  • Plasters
  • Roof shingles/felt
  • Sheetrock
  • Siding
  • Textured popcorn ceilings
  • Vinyl floor tiles
  • Wiring

Many building materials contained asbestos. It was typically used as a thermal insulator in public buildings, private companies and schools. In some cases, asbestos coatings were applied to metal beams as a fireproofing material. Asbestos was also mixed into compounds and plasters used on walls and ceilings.

In the EPA’s National Survey of Asbestos-Containing Friable Materials Final Report, the agency noted many of these materials contained high amounts of asbestos:

  • Asbestos-containing pipe or boiler insulation had an average asbestos content of 70%.
  • Sprayed or troweled-on friable asbestos material for insulation and fireproofing had an average asbestos content of 14%. The agency reported 192,000 buildings contained these materials.
  • Construction workers and homeowners may still be at risk of asbestos exposure while performing renovations and remodels in older structures.

If an individual suspects asbestos is present, they can hire a professional to inspect the area. A professional can take samples of damaged or broken materials and test them.

If asbestos is identified, experienced professionals can recommend next steps. An asbestos abatement company can encapsulate the asbestos or remove and dispose of the material safely.

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