What to Look For & Identifying Asbestos

Chances are if a home or building was built before the 1980s it contains asbestos. Before you buy, and especially before you plan a renovation project, know what you’re working with. The presence of asbestos can pose a health hazard, especially if the asbestos material is to be cut, sanded, sawed, removed or otherwise disturbed.

As asbestos materials age over time, the fibers often loosen and release into the air. These airborne fibers are known to increase the risk of certain cancers, which is why many homeowners have asbestos materials removed or sealed in a process known as asbestos abatement.

How Do I Identify Asbestos?

Because asbestos fibers are microscopic (about 1,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair), the presence or absence of asbestos fibers cannot be determined by sight alone.

Laboratory testing using a powerful microscope is often necessary in order to identify the presence of asbestos fibers, which come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Asbestos fibers can be described as white, gray, brown, green, metallic blue, lavender or yellowish-brown, depending on the variety and how the fibers are being used. The fibers are typically long, thin, silky or pearly, and were often woven into materials to provide additional strength and resistance to heat.

If you don't know whether construction materials contain asbestos, assume they do until laboratory testing proves otherwise, especially if the materials are crumbling, peeling, cracking, water-stained or blistering.

What Materials Contain Asbestos?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other federal agencies have identified materials most likely to put workers and residents at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. According to experts, the following materials may contain asbestos if they were manufactured or installed prior to the 1980s:

Sprayed-on or troweled-on surfacing materials (such as plaster, popcorn ceilings, etc.)

Insulation around pipes, boilers, ducts or hot water tanks

Floor tiles (asphalt, rubber..etc) & the backing materials used to install tiles

Artificial ashes and embers in gas fireplaces

Patching compounds for wall and ceiling joints

Attic and wall insulation

*This is not a complete list.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Asbestos is Present in My Home?

Contact a licensed inspector. This professional will perform a thorough inspection to determine the location of all asbestos-containing materials, as well as offer advice about abatement procedures and how the asbestos materials should be removed or contained.

Asbestos abatement is typically recommended for any areas of a building where asbestos-containing material is likely to be disturbed, removed or repaired. If an inspector determines that asbestos exposure is possible, the building owner will need to take action.

The diagram to the right highlights key areas of the home that may require abatement procedures.

Additional Resources

For information about abatement regulations and laws concerning asbestos removal and environmental concerns, contact the following organizations and agencies: