Is Asbestos Hiding in Your Home? Here’s How to Tell

Is Asbestos Hiding in Your Home? Here’s How to Tell

Prior to 1980, asbestos was commonly used in building materials due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. Many of these homes likely contain asbestos in materials like walls, floorboards, ceiling tiles, roof tiles, insulation, pipes, and electrical wiring. If these materials haven’t been refurbished in the past 30 years, the degraded asbestos can pose a health risk. At PuroClean of Fort Wayne, we provide expert restoration and remediation services to help with any asbestos-related concerns in your home. Join us as we discuss signs to look for when deciding if asbestos is hiding in your home.

Age of the Building

            •           Built Before the 1980s: If your house was built between the 1930s and late 1970s, there’s a higher chance it contains asbestos. Asbestos use was widespread during this time, especially in insulation and construction materials.

            •           Renovated Homes: Even if your home was remodeled, older materials containing asbestos might still be present if they were not properly removed.

Common Materials That May Contain Asbestos

Asbestos was used in various construction materials. If your home has any of the following, they might contain asbestos:

            •           Insulation: Especially in attics and around pipes, boilers, and ducts (commonly in the form of a white or gray fibrous material).

            •           Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles, linoleum, or adhesive backing for tiles may have asbestos, especially in tiles that are 9×9 inches, which were common in the past.

            •           Popcorn Ceilings: The textured “popcorn” ceilings popular from the 1950s to the 1980s often contained asbestos.

            •           Roofing and Siding: Shingles, roofing felt, and siding often used asbestos for added durability.

            •           Cement Sheets and Boards: Used in walls, roofs, and floors, especially in fire-resistant or moisture-resistant areas.

            •           Textured Paint and Coatings: Certain older wall and ceiling coatings, like Artex, may have asbestos.

            •           Joint Compounds and Plaster: Asbestos was often mixed into joint compounds and plaster for walls and ceilings.

Physical Appearance

Asbestos can sometimes be identified by its distinct physical characteristics, which may indicate its presence in your home.

            •           Fibrous Material: Asbestos may appear as a fibrous, fluffy, or powdery substance, especially in insulation.

            •           Crumbling or Damaged Materials: If older building materials are crumbling, flaky, or deteriorating, they may contain asbestos, especially if they’re insulation, ceiling tiles, or wall panels.

            •           Woven or Sheet-Like Material: Look for woven cloth-like textures, especially in older pipes or ducts.

Health Symptoms

If asbestos fibers are released into the air and inhaled, it can cause various health issues. Although symptoms may take years to develop, they can include:

            •           Chronic Coughing and Wheezing: A persistent cough that doesn’t go away, often accompanied by shortness of breath.

            •           Chest Pain or Tightness: Pain in the chest, especially when taking deep breaths, could be a sign of lung damage.

            •           Fatigue and Loss of Appetite: These symptoms can be linked to asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma.

            •           Pleural Plaques: Thickening or scarring of the lining of the lungs, detectable through medical imaging.

No Visible Signs

Asbestos is often hidden. In many cases, asbestos is not visible, as it’s embedded in materials like tiles, drywall, or insulation. The only way to confirm its presence is through professional testing.

How to Safely Confirm Asbestos Presence
 

            •           Do Not Disturb Suspected Materials: Avoid touching, drilling, cutting, or breaking materials you suspect might contain asbestos, as disturbing them can release harmful fibers.

            •           Hire a Professional Inspector: The safest way to determine if asbestos is present is to hire a certified asbestos inspector. They will take samples and have them tested in a lab.

            •           DIY Test Kits: While there are DIY asbestos testing kits available, they may not be as reliable or safe as professional testing. Always follow safety guidelines if using one.

What to Do if You Have Asbestos

            •           Leave It Alone if Undisturbed: If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and not damaged, it’s usually best to leave them undisturbed. Asbestos is most dangerous when it’s airborne.

            •           Encapsulation: If asbestos is intact but at risk of disturbance, professionals can seal it with a protective coating.

            •           Professional Removal: If asbestos is damaged or needs to be removed for renovations, hire a licensed asbestos abatement company to safely handle and dispose of it.

Being aware of the potential presence of asbestos in your home is crucial for your health and safety, especially if you’re planning any renovations or repairs. Contact PuroClean’s Fort Wayne, Indiana, office today at (260) 800-2657 to help with any asbestos-related causes or concerns in your home or commercial property.