Asbestos In The Home

Asbestos Containing Materials Found in Pre-1978 Homes

Many homes built prior to 1978 throughout the United States may have places which a homeowner or renter may become exposed to asbestos. It is important to understand these potential places of asbestos containing materials to prevent the exposure of yourself and loved ones.

Residential Building Materials Which May Include Asbestos

Significant rules and laws have regulated asbestos containing materials in the home since the mid 1970’s. However, older homes may still contain building materials which were manufactured with asbestos. These materials may be inhaled by the home occupants if disturbed in any way. This may include scraping, sawing, cutting or sanding of any material which may include asbestos fibers or dust.

These products which may release fibers or dust into the indoor environment, include but are not limited to:

  • FLOOR TILES (vinyl, asphalt or rubber). Could include backing on vinyl flooring, floor tile adhesives. Sanding or scraping such products could produce asbestos laden dust or fibers to become airborne.
  • PIPE INSULATION. Could include insulation around furnaces and woodburning stoves. Repairing or removing appliances could release asbestos fibers into the indoor environment. Cutting, ripping, drilling, sanding or sawing insulation should not be performed unless the material is known to be free of asbestos containing materials if installed prior to 1978.
  • ROOFING SHINGLES and SIDING (cement based).  These products should be removed without sawing, drilling or cutting to prevent asbestos fibers from releasing into the outdoor environment.
  • JOINT and PATCHING COMPOUNDS (for walls and ceilings).  Sanding, scraping or drilling in these surfaces should not be performed unless the material is known to be free of asbestos containing materials if installed prior to 1978.
  • ATTIC and WALL INSULATION. (batting and blown material). It was common for manufacturers to add asbestos fibers in some house insulation materials as filler or because of its heat insulation properties. This practice was most common during the 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s but was also believed to be prevalent in some manufacturing processes even into the early 1970’s. An asbestos test should be performed to determine if old insulation may contain asbestos. If the test is positive then the material may be replaced or the attic area should not be accessed unless proper personal protective (PPE) equipment is worn at all times. PPE would include coveralls, boot covers, gloves, head cover and a HEPA (high efficient particulate air) respirator which would be removed before accessing the indoor home environment.
  • TEXTURING COMPOUNDS (wall and ceiling). Many texturing products were manufactured with asbestos fibers until 1977. Sanding, scraping or drilling in these surfaces should not be performed unless the material is known to be free of asbestos containing materials if installed prior to 1978.
  • STEAM PIPES, BOILERS and FURNACE DUCTS.  Commonly insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper. Sanding, scraping, drilling or removal of these products should not be performed unless the material is known to be free of asbestos containing materials if installed prior to 1978

What To Do About Asbestos In The Home

If you have good reason to believe that there may be asbestos containing materials in your home, do not panic. The local health department is a resource which should be experienced in the asbestos containing building materials used in your area. Steps should be taken to identify potential sources of asbestos prior to making and renovations or major repairs to the home. If a fire or floor occurs in the home, it is paramount to also identify potential sources prior to repairs starting.

Just because it is present does not mean it must be removed. Asbestos containing materials may pose no long-term health issues if left undisturbed or in good condition. Steps of removal should be considered when it is going to be disturbed in any way.

If you believe that there may be asbestos fibers or dust in your indoor environment from a previous renovation or major repair, then it is important to thoroughly HEPA (high efficient particulate air) vacuum any and all surfaces throughout the home to include but not limited to; floors, walls, ceilings, baseboards, molding and air ventilation duct work. This process should be performed once per day for at least three days or consider having an environmental remediation contractor clean your home using proper methods.