A Guide To Asbestos In Your House

In the late 1800s, when large plants producing steam-generated electricity were built, it became necessary to develop ways to insulate the steam pipes to keep workers from burning themselves. Asbestos turned out to be the insulator of choice. So, what exactly does it mean to asbestos in your house, and is it really dangerous?

What Is Asbestos? 

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Asbestos is a generic term referring to a number of different mineral fibres found in rock formations. Because of their strength, durability and resistance to fire, these fibres were used widespread in building materials during this period in residential and commercial construction. They were also added to various different residential construction products.

Unfortunately, it took many years before it became apparent that asbestos posed a serious danger to peoples’ health, which led to its ban in building materials as of the late 1970’s.

Health Risk of Asbestos In Your House

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If asbestos fibres are properly enclosed within a product or material, there are no significant health risks. But when it’s disturbed it releases asbestos fibres into the air. If these fibres are inhaled they get lodged in the lungs and can cause very serious health conditions, including cancer.

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, which is a scarring of the lungs that makes it difficult to breathe, or mesothelioma-a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Could Asbestos Be In Your Home?

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By the early 1980’s asbestos was no longer used in new building materials and residential building products being manufactured; however, many homes and buildings today still contain asbestos.

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Did You Know?

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Before the late 1970’s many drywall compounds were made using asbestos. The reason? Fire-resistance – it could keep a fire from spreading. This same material was also used for filling corners and seams!

Smoking combined with inhaling asbestos significantly increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

What Materials Can Contain Asbestos In A House?

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1. Vermiculite, a type of loose-fill attic insulation
2. Roofing felt, roofing compounds, spackling, sealants, putty and caulking
3. Ceiling tiles, plaster or acoustical plaster (gives ceilings and walls a soft, textured look)
4. Soffit & fascia boards
5. Electrical components
6. Gutters/drainpipe
7. Roofing shingles & siding
8. Drywall compound (sometimes referred to as “mud”)
9. Steam pipes, furnace ducts, hot water tanks and boilers insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape (Cement sheet, millboard and paper used to insulate furnaces and wood burning stoves)
10. Vinyl, asphalt and rubber floor tiles, including the backing and adhesives used for installation
11. Textured paints (not shown)

Vermiculite

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Vermiculite is a mineral that is mined around the world for its fire-resistance and insulation qualities. It’s used in a variety of commercial and consumer products.

Before asbestos was banned in the late 1970’s vermiculite insulation contained amphibole asbestos – a known carcinogen. Since the 1980s, vermiculite has been considered a safe product, but some of the old material might still contain amphibole asbestos. 

Vermiculite containing amphibole asbestos is very dangerous if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition.

How Can I Tell If My House Has Asbestos?

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It is very difficult to detect asbestos. The only way to know for sure if a material or product contains asbestos is to submit a sample of the material for testing to an accredited asbestos laboratory.

If you are planning to renovate a home that was built before 1980, contact a professional testing and abatement company to have materials in your home tested for asbestos, including walls, ceilings, vinyl floor tiles, siding, insulation and roofing materials.

 

Testing For Asbestos

Testing for asbestos is not a DIY job. The company we use for asbestos testing is Canada Restoration Services. You should speak to one of their experts if you suspect you have asbestos or need it removed.

They have an excellent guide on their website about asbestos testing and removal.

What Do You Do If You Have Asbestos In Your Home?

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How do you tell if your house has asbestos?

A professional testing and abatement company will send a representative to your home to take samples of the materials could contain asbestos. They will do this by first wetting a small area of each material and cutting out a sample about the size of a quarter. That sample gets placed in a small resealable plastic bag and sent to the lab.

If test results confirm the presence of asbestos in your home it might be best to do nothing.

However, depending on the condition of the material, location and the likelihood of it being disturbed, such as during a renovation or regular maintenance, the removal of the material might be the most reasonable solution.

Asbestos Removal From Your House

Asbestos abatement (removal) is a complex and potentially hazardous procedure. It should only be done by an experienced and qualified asbestos removal professional. We trust Canada Restoration Services for asbestos removal.

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