14 Places Asbestos May Still Be Lurking in Your Home

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Older homes are rife with charm , personality , and case . regrettably , they may also have an unsavory , downright grave skeletal frame in the closet : asbestos . This mineral , valued for its strength , sound absorption , and fervor - retardent belongings , used to be widely used in edifice materials . That interchange in the mid-1970s , when asbestos picture became linked to severe health event , including lung cancer , mesothelioma , and asbestosis ( a progressive debilitating lung disease ) . In the 1970s , the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) began to confine the manufacture of various asbestos - containing products . As builders sought out other material , the use of asbestos in residential construction slump , but rest home built before 1980 may still check asbestos — and according to the U.S. Census ’s 2019 American Community Survey , almost 50 percent of homes in the U.S. were work up before 1980 .

Today , agree to the EPA , no horizontal surface of exposure to asbestos is considered good , and testing and removal should be completed by license professional . While undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to impersonate a wellness risk , asbestos used in building materials that have been damage or otherwise stirred up does gift a veridical peril . If you live in an older house , it ’s wise to be cognizant of areas where there may still be asbestos , specially if you ’re planning to compensate or reanimate your house .

Exposed Wood Wall with Doorway Sealed Off for Asbestos Abatement

Photo: istockphoto.com

1. Roofing and Siding

Asbestos is extremely resistant to heat , ardour , and electrical conductivity , which made it a common ( and often required ) component in many types ofsidingand roofing shingle . If your cap is quondam enough to contain asbestos , it ’s past due for replacement . mind , however , that removal of asbestos - hold in cap shingles or turnout should be handle only by a trained and accredit asbestos professional .

2. Flooring

Another common informant of asbestos in the home isflooring , particularly vinyl group base tiles , the backing on vinyl mainsheet flooring , and flooring adhesives . According to theEPA , if your floor tiles were set up prior to 1981 , there ’s a skillful chance they contain some asbestos . If an asbestos - containing floor has been damage — if , for instance , it has been dispute or gouged — dusting , wholesale , or vacuuming it could free dangerous asbestos fibre . Even if a floor check asbestos is in adept build , you may need to regard sealing or encapsulate it . If you take instead to remove and replace it , have the workplace done by a qualified pro .

3. Pipe Insulation

Because asbestos is heat - immune , it was typically used to insulate raging piss pipes as well as steam tube inheatingsystems . In some pillow slip , the pipe were cake flat with asbestos material , and in other instances , the organ pipe were covered with an asbestos cover or tape measure . As with other type of asbestos , leave the covering alone if it ’s in good shape , or have it encapsulated . If it ’s ripped or torn , have it professionally removed and supercede .

4. Wallboard and Joint Compound

Many type of dry wall and joint chemical compound , such as those around Grant Wood - burn range andfireplaces , incorporate asbestos fibers for strength and fire ohmic resistance . Even something as simple as patching a hole or sand a rough spot in a paries could release asbestos fibers and detritus into the atmosphere . If you ’re pondering a remodeling or house melioration labor and you dwell in a habitation with national wall that were finish before the mid-1980s , it ’s smart to call in an asbestos examiner before beginning .

5. Popcorn Ceilings

Whether you have it off them because they ’re “ retro kitsch ” or detest them because they ’re outdated and ugly , Zea mays everta ceilings are exceedingly common in home built from the belated 1960s through the former 1980s . But this decorative grain has a darker side : The coating was typically made from sprayed - on asbestos character or textured key infused with asbestos . If you have a Zea mays everta ceiling , consider seal it . If you ’re determined to murder it , have a professional trial it first , and if asbestos is found , charter a qualified professional for removal .

6. Wallpaper

Wallpaper and wallpaper adhesive material fabricate prior to 1980 may arrest asbestos , especially if the wallpaper has a vinyl finis . Intactwallpaperis well simply left alone or paint over . If the wallpaper is torn , fruity , or curl , however , you may want to have it professionally try and replaced with a more up - to - appointment wallcovering .

7. Wall and Ceiling Insulation

Asbestos lurks in the wall and roof insularity of many homes build from the thirties through the 1950s . If there ’s no damage to the wall or ceilings and the insularism is n’t lax or seeable , it ’s well left untouched . Call an inspector if you plan on remodeling or if you discover any cracks or other hurt on thewallsor ceiling .

8. Furnaces and Boilers

Because asbestos resists fire and heat , it was commonly used in the gaskets , insulation , and surrounds for furnace , boilers , stoves , and fireplaces . If you ’re in the food market for a newfurnaceor other appliance , you may want to check with an asbestos professional before disturbing your old one .

9. Curtains and Fabrics

Believe it or not , the great unwashed once paid top dollar for curtains and draperies that contain asbestos . The heat - resistant , flame - retardant fabrics were marketed as the good way to protect phratry fromhouse fervidness , and they break outside noise to boot . Many consumers also purchase asbestos pads or cover to cover the heating elements on the stovetop . It pass away without order that if you run into any of these products in your home , they should be removed , properly fain of , and replaced with modern , non - asbestos - incorporate alternatives .

10. Artificial Logs and Embers

In 1977 , the Consumer Product Safety Commission banish “ contrived emberizing materials”—simulated ash and embers made of asbestos — that were used ingas fireplacesto mime the glow of a burning fire . If you have an old gas fireplace and survive in a place make before the late seventies , have your fireplace test by a reputable professional , and exchange the logs and coal — or the entire fireplace — if necessary .

11. Electrical Components

Asbestos may be found in the insulation for old electrical wiring , liners for recessed lighting , and backing panels and linings of fuse loge . With normal use , none of these items should sit a risk , but when it ’s time to substitute them , check with your municipality regarding appropriate garbage disposal .

12. Vintage Housewares and Small Appliances

If you haunt the antique shop in search ofvintage housewares , be aware that some honest-to-god toaster , hand-held tomentum dryer , spicy pad of paper , dumb cooker , ironing dining table covers , and other hotness - raise or heat - shielding products used to arrest asbestos . These older products are fine for decoration , but avoid using them . If they are damaged , rub , or otherwise worn , dispose of them . look up your local sanitation department for proper disposal .

13. Major Appliances

Older appliances , including washing machines , dryer , ovens , and even some refrigerator , may have asbestos in gaskets and insulating materials . Even if an old appliance contains asbestos , it does n’t pose a risk as long as it ’s used properly and in good workings order . Do not , however , seek to repair an onetime , asbestos - containing contrivance . Either dispose of it or connect with the manufacturer for steering .

14. Fireplaces

Asbestos was used inchimney flue linersas well as in some firebrick and mortar , so it ’s possible that a fireplace built before the tardy 1970s could contain asbestos . If the material are in good repair , it ’s good to permit them be . If , however , they ’re deteriorating , or if you ’re planning a renovation that will touch on them , call in professionals for testing and wipeout .

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