Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that’s made up of microscopic, fibrous strands. Between the 1950s and late-1980s, asbestos became a popular material used in the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial structures due to its exceptional properties. Asbestos is fire-resistant, insulating, and resistant to heat and chemical damage. Because asbestos possesses all of these properties, it’s often added to many building materials. Not only are materials with asbestos incredibly strong, but they’re also inexpensive and long-lasting. The composition that gives these materials such unique properties does pose some risks. When materials containing asbestos become damaged or disturbed in some way, microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne and pose health risks. Because of these health risks, the use of asbestos in construction has been heavily regulated since the 1980s and was phased out in the early 1990s. Identifying asbestos-containing materials by sight is impossible because asbestos is generally combined with other materials. If your house or building was constructed before 1990, however, there’s a high likelihood that some materials in the property still contain asbestos.
Materials That Contain Asbestos
Because of its beneficial properties and low cost, asbestos was added to many construction materials to add strength and durability. Below are some of the most common materials containing asbestos that you’re likely to find in your home or building:
Fireproofing
Fireproofing is applied to structural components like beams, columns, walls, and ceilings. The purpose of fireproofing is to help make buildings more fire-resistant and is often necessary to meet building code requirements. Both asbestos and non-asbestos spray-applied fireproofing are commercially available.
Insulation
Asbestos is commonly found in insulation materials. Insulation is used in boilers, pipes, tanks, vessels, and ductwork. The level of asbestos content in insulating materials is often high. As a result, it can release dangerous levels of asbestos fibers if it deteriorates or if it’s disturbed.
Linoleum backing
Older homes often feature linoleum and sheet flooring that features a paper backing. The paper backing contains asbestos. The backing is fragile and disintegrates easily, releasing the asbestos fibers when it’s torn.
Adhesive and floor tiles
Both resilient floor tiles and the adhesive underneath the tiles contain asbestos fibers. A common misconception is that only smaller floor tiles contain asbestos.
Drywall compound
Asbestos-containing drywall tape and drywall taping compound are commonly used in homes and commercial properties for finishing drywall installations. Drywall taping compound is often called “drywall mud”.
Vermiculite insulation
Vermiculite is a popular lightweight insulating material that has been used in homes for decades. It’s often used in attics and inside wall cavities as insulation. Vermiculite has been mined in locations that are contaminated with asbestos. Vermiculite insulation contains varying levels of asbestos.
Cement boards and tiles
Since the 1930s, fiber cement products have been widely used for both exterior and interior applications. Exterior applications include siding and roofing products. Interior applications include electrical panels, heat shields around fireplaces and heating equipment, pegboards, and chalkboards.
Cement pipes
Asbestos cement pipes were widely used for water supply, drainage, and sewer systems. These pipes are still found today in many older properties.
Coatings on walls and ceilings
Textured coatings on walls and ceilings often contain asbestos. Examples include popcorn coatings on ceilings or stipple coatings on walls.
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