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What Does Asbestos Look Like

Asbestos & Lead
Asbestos Fibers Danger Sign

What Does Asbestos Look Like?

Asbestos Fibers Danger Sign

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.

Disclaimers:

Blog information is NOT intended to provide or replace medical advice. NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggestions for products to use are just that, suggestions. You know yourself and your home best. Please do your own research on any product you use in your home or on your skin, and learn all the facts for yourself. Thank you.

Why is there asbestos in so many building materials anyway?

Asbestos Inspections in Georgia

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 Danger Sign

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 Sheet Flooring

Asbestos Sheet Flooring

Asbestos Floor Tiles & Coverings

Asbestos Floor Tile and Mastic

Asbestos Floor Tile and Mastic

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

Asbestos Duct Wrap

Asbestos Duct Wrap

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 - Containing Asbestos

Vermiculite Insulation – Containing Asbestos

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

Asbestos Pipe Insulation

Asbestos pipe insulation

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

Branch Environmental Logo

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.

Call: (706) 510-0335 Schedule Inspection

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
November 16, 2020/by Brandon Harper
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Asbestos Removal – What You Need To Know

Asbestos & Lead

Asbestos removal is probably not something you were hoping to deal with in your renovation project. We can help! Come read and learn more asbestos removal.

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October 13, 2020/by Brandon Harper
https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/asbestos.jpg 424 750 Brandon Harper https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Brandon Harper2020-10-13 09:00:482020-10-13 10:31:40Asbestos Removal – What You Need To Know

What Homeowners Need To Know About Asbestos Removal – A Guide For DIYers

Asbestos & Lead, Health
DIY Sign

Asbestos is present in many building materials both for older buildings and newer buildings. If you are DIYing a project in your home, do you need to be concerned about asbestos? What could happen? Could you and your family get sick? Come learn more about when you need an asbestos inspection for DIY projects.

Read more
September 9, 2020/by Emillie Skinner
https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/shutterstock_371937541-scaled.jpg 1024 1534 Emillie Skinner https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Emillie Skinner2020-09-09 14:35:202020-09-09 14:35:20What Homeowners Need To Know About Asbestos Removal – A Guide For DIYers

Should I Check For Asbestos Before Buying A Home?

Asbestos & Lead
Should I check for asbestos before buying a home?

You just found your dream home, and are so excited! The home inspection came back clean, but the inspection company does not take any responsibility for asbestos. Is it worth having an asbestos inspection done? Come read and learn when you need an asbestos inspection, and when you don’t.

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August 10, 2020/by Brandon Harper
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Asbestos Spotlight – Popcorn Ceilings

Asbestos & Lead
popcorn ceiling

Scraping popcorn ceilings is a common DIY project. You need to know that popcorn ceilings can contain asbestos, and DIY should be approached with caution.

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July 21, 2020/by Brandon Harper
https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/popcorn.jpg 685 1024 Brandon Harper https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Brandon Harper2020-07-21 13:25:102020-07-21 16:04:34Asbestos Spotlight – Popcorn Ceilings

Asbestos Inspections in Georgia. All You Need To Know.

Asbestos & Lead
Asbestos Inspections in Georgia

How do you know when you need an asbestos inspection in Georgia? We help you learn exactly when and why you need an asbestos inspection in Georgia.

Read more
July 20, 2020/by Brandon Harper
https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sokolove-law-asbestos-cancer-large-2.jpg 562 1000 Brandon Harper https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Brandon Harper2020-07-20 15:00:312020-07-21 15:09:17Asbestos Inspections in Georgia. All You Need To Know.

Can I Put a New Floor Over Asbestos Tiles?

Asbestos & Lead
Asbestos Vinyl Floor Tiles

Time for new floors! What is this? Vinyl floor tiles that contain asbestos! Do I have to remove the tiles, or can I put the new floor on top of them?

Read more
May 16, 2020/by Brandon Harper
https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/asbestos-vinyl-tiles.jpg 338 450 Brandon Harper https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Brandon Harper2020-05-16 16:03:262020-07-20 10:54:16Can I Put a New Floor Over Asbestos Tiles?

Asbestos Inspections

Asbestos & Lead
Permits and Inspections Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Why You May Need An Asbestos Inspection

Vermiculite Insulation - Containing Asbestos

Asbestos is a very common component of many building materials. Homeowners, landlords, and contractors are required to have an asbestos survey completed prior to any project that will potentially disturb asbestos fibers. For every demolition and renovation project an asbestos inspection is required.

When Do You Need An Asbestos Inspection?

The US Environmental Protection Agency and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (Environmental Protection Division) are responsible for the laws and regulations concerning Asbestos. Local building departments will often require proof of compliance when you are obtaining a permit for work.Building or Renovation Permit

According to the State of Georgia EPD:

“Owners and operators of a demolition or renovation activity, must thoroughly inspect the affected facility or part of a facility where the demolition / renovation operation will occur, for the presence of friable and non-friable asbestos, including Category I & II non-friable asbestos containing material (ACM). This should be done prior to the commencement of the activity.”

All that is to say: you must inspect any demolition or renovation project for asbestos before you begin disturbing material. Even if your county does not ask for your asbestos survey when you get a permit, Georgia laws still apply to your project. It is a common misconception that there is a cut off year for properties that must be inspected.

In addition, you may have circumstances that would cause you to want to test your own home or workplace for asbestos outside of planned renovations. We will be happy to discuss a custom asbestos survey plan for needs other than regulatory compliance.

How Much Will An Asbestos Survey Cost?

Dollar Bills

That depends on the type of project you have planned. All asbestos surveys include submission of samples to an accredited laboratory for PLM analysis. Our base prices assume standard access to the property with no atypical hazards. Standard turnaround time is one week.

The cost of your asbestos inspection is determined by the base fee + samples collected + additional fees.

  • The base fee is the cost of the inspector’s site visit and preparation of your survey report. This amount varies based on the type of inspection you need. Commercial vs. residential, demolition vs. remodel, and size of the structure are all items that will determine your amount. When you call to schedule your inspection, we will determine the category of your project and tell you your base fee.
  • Each sample collected is invoiced at $27 for standard turnaround. See below for an idea of how many samples may be required.
  • Additional fees may apply for rush delivery, extended travel, etc. We will discuss any additional fees that apply to your inspection when you schedule.

Every job is unique. We will work to identify suspect material, and take only as many samples as necessary for a thorough report. While we can not guess how many samples will be needed prior to seeing your project, here are some general estimates that will help you understand the scope:

  • Bathroom renovation: ~5 samples
  • Multi-room residential renovation: ~10 – 25 samples
  • Residential demolition: ~15+
  • Commercial projects: Call for Estimate

What Materials Will Be Tested?

Asbestos Floor Tiles and Mastic

Most any material that is NOT wood, metal, or glass has the potential to contain asbestos fibers. The most common materials a residential renovator will encounter are joint compound, ceiling textures, vinyl flooring, and pipe insulation. We will use our expertise and experience to identify materials that require sampling.

Commercial projects may have other unique materials based on the type of building.

Can I Drop Off My Own Materials To Be Tested?

Absolutely. While you will not receive an Asbestos Site Survey, we will be happy to send any material you bring us to the laboratory for analysis. The report you receive will be limited to the presence or absence of asbestos in the sample material, and will not make further assumptions about the property where the sample originated.

We’re Here When You Need Us

Remember, the state of Georgia requires that an asbestos survey be completed on any structure, regardless of age, prior to renovation or demolition. Call Branch Environmental. We’re experts at asbestos removal with over 25 years of experience. Our AHERA accredited 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.

Call: (706) 510-0335 Schedule Inspection

For more information go to:

  1. Asbestos Professionals | Asbestos | US EPA
  2. Asbestos Notification Requirements | Environmental Protection Division – Georgia EPD
  3. How To Follow Asbestos Regulations – Branch Environmental
  4. What Is Asbestos?– Branch Environmental
  5. Can I Put a New Floor Over Asbestos Tiles? – Branch Environmental
  6. When Do I Need an Asbestos Inspection? We’ve Got Your Answer! – Branch Environmental

Disclaimers:

Blog information is NOT intended to provide or replace medical advice. NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.

*We are an Amazon affiliate company and we do occasionally receive compensation for products that you purchase through links on our website.

Suggestions for products to use are just that, suggestions. You know yourself and your home best. Please do your own research on any product you use in your home or on your skin, and learn all the facts for yourself. Thank you.

May 15, 2020/by Brandon Harper
https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/writing-1149962_1920-Image-by-Free-Photos-from-Pixabay.jpg 1024 1535 Brandon Harper https://branchenvironmental.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Branch_logo.png Brandon Harper2020-05-15 15:06:042020-07-20 11:08:46Asbestos Inspections

When Do I Need an Asbestos Inspection?

Asbestos & Lead
When do I need an Asbestos Inspection?

You may need an Asbestos Inspection because you are remodeling, or maybe you are concerned about your family’s health. Should you spend $$ on an inspection?

Read more
May 15, 2020/by Brandon Harper
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What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos & Lead
Asbestos pipe insulation

What is Asbestos? Why is it dangerous? When and Where could I be exposed? What happens if I find asbestos? We answer all your questions!

Read more
May 13, 2020/by Brandon Harper
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