What Does Asbestos Look Like?

Unfortunately, this simple question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. The real question homeowners and builders are asking is: “What building materials contain asbestos?” Asbestos is a microscopic fiber that is only visible under a microscope, so it is impossible to know which materials contain asbestos just by looking at them. Come read and learn more about the top 5 materials that are most likely to contain asbestos.

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Why is there asbestos in so many building materials anyway?

Asbestos has some pretty amazing properties.1 It is incredibly strong and resistant to heat. 1 These characteristics have made it a valuable component in many building materials. Over the past 100+ years, asbestos has found its way into many homes and commercial structures in the form of insulation, shingles, joint compound, floor tiles, and the list goes on. 1

There is no current blanket ban on the manufacture or import of asbestos-containing products. 9 You can still find asbestos in products such as roofing tars, brakes, and more. That said, many of the products that carry the highest exposure have been regulated or simply discontinued use of the fiber.

You can find asbestos in many, many building materials pre-dating the 1990s. While the use of asbestos declines sharply after 1990, it still shows up in newer homes. You can never rule out the possibility of asbestos in building materials. 3

The only way to know for sure if you have asbestos is to have an inspection performed by a certified firm, like Branch Environmental. 10 Samples of suspect materials will be collected and analyzed in a laboratory. That is the only way to get definitive results that tell you where asbestos is and is not.

Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos poses very real health hazards to anyone who may be exposed. Even very small exposures for a short amount of time can yield big consequences down the road. While long term exposure puts a person at higher risk, there is no “safe threshold” of exposure. This is not an area you want to cut corners in.

That being said, the majority of patients with asbestos related diseases are older men who were exposed through their occupation. This is because the disease has a long latency period. As the fibers build in your lungs, it can take from 15 to 20 years for the related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma to present.13,14

Practically speaking, in today’s world, your risk of asbestos exposure comes during renovations or demolitions of buildings that have asbestos containing building materials. When these materials come under the force of sledgehammers, wrecking bars, and bulldozers, they are pulverized into dust. In the process, asbestos fibers are released into the air, and you are at risk of exposure.

For more information see our post: The Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure.12

Top 5 Materials that Contain Asbestos

To give you an idea of the possible building materials involved, here are some of the more common building materials that do contain asbestos.

Asbestos Floor Tiles & Coverings

Asbestos is often found in floor tiles and flooring adhesives. Both floor tiles and sheet flooring, even those manufactured recently, may contain asbestos as a component. While all floor tiles and sheet flooring are suspect materials, older floors are more likely to be positive. Asbestos is most commonly found in 9×9 tiles and black mastics.

Asbestos in Drywall

Asbestos was a common component of joint compound for many years. For this reason, the largest area of concern in most residential homes is drywall joints. Because drywall is easily pulverized during demolition or renovation, it is important to be sure it is asbestos free prior to removal.

In addition to drywall joints, asbestos is commonly found in sprayed and troweled textures on both walls and ceilings (such popcorn ceilings).8

Asbestos in HVAC Ducts

In older homes and commercial buildings, asbestos was used to seal and insulate ductwork. Asbestos duct wrap looks like a white felt paper. Duct wrap should be handled with particular care because it often contains an extremely high level of asbestos, is highly friable (easily crumbled), and can be found within easy reach of frequently traveled areas of a building.

Asbestos Insulation

Vermiculite insulation typically contains asbestos. It is a blown insulation found in older homes.

Asbestos Pipe Insulation

Much like duct wrap, asbestos pipe insulation contains high levels of asbestos and is easily pulverized with minimal contact. If you suspect asbestos pipe wrap in your home or place of work, it should be checked by a professional.

Remember…

Listed here are only some of the most common places asbestos fibers are found. There are many more building materials that have the potential to contain asbestos. Anytime you demolish or renovate a building, there is the potential for asbestos fibers to be released into the air. To learn more about the health hazards of asbestos check out our post: The Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure.

Since asbestos cannot be seen with the naked eye, the only way to tell conclusively if a material contains asbestos is through a laboratory analysis. Keep yourself and your family safe during your renovation by hiring a professional asbestos inspector to determine the areas of concern in your project. To learn more about removing asbestos during renovation and construction go to: What Homeowners Need To Know About Asbestos Removal – A Guide For DIYers.15

We’re Here When You Need Us

Call Branch Environmental. We’re experts at asbestos removal with over 25 years of experience. Our inspectors will help you determine the appropriate sampling plan for your project. Our goal is to move your project forward without wasting money, while keeping you safe and in compliance with all applicable regulations. Let us help you navigate asbestos inspection or abatement. Call us or click here to schedule an inspection today!

Branch Environmental – Because nobody should live or work in a building that makes them sick.

For more information go to:

1. What Is Asbestos? – Branch Environmental
2. Asbestos Inspections – Branch Environmental
3. Asbestos Notification Requirements | Environmental Protection Division
4. When Do I Need an Asbestos Inspection? We’ve Got Your Answer! – Branch Environmental
5. Asbestos Professionals | Asbestos | US EPA
6. Asbestos Removal – What You Need To Know – Branch Environmental
7. What Homeowners Need To Know About Asbestos Removal – A Guide For DIYers – Branch Environmental
8. Asbestos Spotlight – Popcorn Ceilings – Branch Environmental
9. Why isn’t asbestos banned in the United States? – AsbestosNation.org associated with the Environmental Working Group
10. Asbestos Inspections in Georgia. All You Need To Know. – Branch Environmental
11. Can I Put a New Floor Over Asbestos Tiles? – Branch Environmental
12. The Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure – Branch Environmental
13. Mesothelioma – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
14. Asbestosis – Symptoms and causes- Mayo Clinic
15. What Homeowners Need To Know About Asbestos Removal – A Guide For DIYers – Branch Environmental