Where to Find Asbestos in the Home

Asbestos was deemed the “magic mineral” – nearly indestructible and encouraged to be used wherever possible. It was the most popular material used in the 1970’s. Not only was asbestos extremely strong, it could also absorb sound, was extremely heat, fire, and electricity resistant, and was incredibly affordable. These desirable properties made the fibrous material popular amongst manufacturers.

It wasn’t until the 20^th Century where concern of asbestos-related fatal illnesses became an issue. Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, and Asbestosis were slowly emerging decades after exposure. In modern times, asbestos is highly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

It has now been 30+ years since your home was built and remodeling could be a consideration. Before you remodel, be sure to hire a professional environmental testing company to test for asbestos in your home. The only way to positively identify asbestos is by a test.

Improper handling and disposal of asbestos containing materials can result in hefty fines. Asbestos is non-toxic if left alone, however, once the fibers become disturbed and airborne, the inhalation of asbestos can result in serious illness and even death. Professional asbestos-licensed abatement companies set up complete containments and wear personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

If you or someone you know is looking to remodel, be sure to remind them of the hazards of potentially asbestos containing materials. Here are the places in your home that may contain asbestos materials; again, asbestos cannot be identified by the naked eye and requires a professional test to positively identify the material.

Heating & Piping

Steam and hot water pipes are often coated with asbestos material

Air duct coverings

Insulation – Walls & Ceilings

Piping insulation

Door gaskets

Oil & coal furnaces

Vermiculite insulation

Blue asbestos insulation

Loose blow-in/batt insulation

Exterior Surfaces

Cement asbestos siding shingles

Cement asbestos roofing

Window puddy

Floor Coverings

Vinyl floor tiles (including backing on vinyl sheet flooring & adhesives)

Walls & floors around wood burning stoves (protected with asbestos paper)

Interior Surfaces – Walls & Ceilings

Textured paint

Spray on or troweled on popcorn ceilings

Patching compounds on wall & ceiling joints

Electrical Equipment

Older lamp socket collars

Electric switch and receptacle boxes

Liners for recessed lighting

Backing for switchboard panels

Old fashioned “knob & tube” wiring

Fuse boxes

Miscellaneous

Artificial ashes sold for gas fireplaces

Gas-fired decorative fireplace logs

Electric blankets

 Vintage Appliances – & Built-in Equipment

Refrigerators

Dishwashers

Clothes Dryers

Older stove-top pads

If you or someone you know is looking to remodel and may be disturbing these areas, we ask you to kindly urge them to get the areas tested for asbestos before construction. If you need a referral for a professional testing company, call Alliance Environmental Group who would be more than happy to refer out a trusted professional. Pending positive results, if you need any asbestos abatement, call Alliance Environmental Group at (877) 858-6220 for your free quote today.

About Alliance Environmental

With more than 75 years of experience, Alliance Environmental Group, Inc. is one of the leading environmental contractors in California. Alliance Environmental provides innovative solutions in the areas of asbestos, lead, and mold abatement; air and HVAC duct cleaning; heat treatment for pest control; structural pasteurization; demolition and emergency response. The company has successfully completed more than 120,000 remediation projects in California and surrounding areas. For more information, go to www.alliance-enviro.com.