Asbestos in Your Home

In the event you suppose asbestos could also be in your house, do not contact it, however search for indicators of wear and tear or harm corresponding to tears, abrasions, or water harm. Broken materials might launch asbestos fibers.

Examine materials repeatedly for those who suspect it could comprise asbestos. If asbestos materials is greater than barely broken, or if you will make modifications in your house which may disturb it, restore or removing by knowledgeable is required. Earlier than you will have your own home transformed, discover out whether or not asbestos supplies are present.

The place Asbestos Hazards Might Be Discovered In The Residence

• Some roofing and siding shingles are made from asbestos cement.
• Homes constructed between 1930 and 1950 might have asbestos as insulation.
• Asbestos could also be current in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
• Synthetic ashes and embers offered to be used in gas-fired fireplaces might comprise asbestos.
• Older merchandise corresponding to stove-top pads might have some asbestos compounds.
• Partitions and flooring round woodburning stoves could also be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.
• Asbestos is present in some vinyl flooring tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
• Sizzling water and steam pipes in older homes could also be coated with an asbestos materials or coated with an asbestos blanket or tape.
• Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets might have asbestos insulation.

📊 Quick Reference Table: Possible Asbestos Materials

How To Identify Materials That May Contain Asbestos

You can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it, unless it’s labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional.

Safety Tips for Sampling (if absolutely necessary)

• Ensure no one else is in the room.
• Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling.
• Turn off HVAC systems to avoid spreading fibers.
• Do not disturb the material more than necessary.
• Use a plastic sheet to cover the floor under the sampling area.
• Mist the material with water + detergent before cutting.
• Carefully cut a small sample with minimal disturbance.
• Seal the sample in a clean container or bag.
• Dispose of plastic sheet and clean the area with damp paper towel.
• Label the container clearly with date and location.

⚠️ Warning: Sampling yourself is NOT recommended unless absolutely necessary. Hire a licensed asbestos professional when possible.

Send the sample to an EPA-approved lab for testing. Check the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) for a list of accredited labs.

What Should Be Done About Asbestos In The Home?

If you suspect asbestos in your home, do not panic. Usually, the best thing is to leave undisturbed asbestos materials alone. As long as fibers are not released and inhaled, there is no danger.

Inspect materials regularly for signs of wear or damage. Avoid touching or disturbing them. If damage is severe, consult a professional.

For slightly damaged material, limit access and avoid disturbance. Dispose of damaged asbestos products like gloves or stove pads according to local regulations.

Asbestos Do’s and Don’ts for the Homeowner

• Do minimize activities in areas with damaged asbestos.
• Do avoid damaging asbestos-containing materials.
• Do hire trained professionals for removal or repair.
• Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum asbestos debris.
• Do not saw, sand, or drill into asbestos materials.
• Do not use abrasive pads on asbestos floors.
• Do not level or sand asbestos floor tiles.
• Do not walk through asbestos-contaminated areas unless necessary. Clean with a wet mop or call a professional.

Sources

• American Lung Association (The Christmas Seal People)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)