Chances are you encounter asbestos every day without being aware of it! Since the times of the Ancient Greeks, asbestos has been regarded as a durable, versatile building material known for its fire resistance and ability to insulate heat. While the use of asbestos has decreased significantly in new construction, it is very common in restaurants, stores, schools, homes, and any other buildings constructed before the 90’s.
Did you know that asbestos can even be found in structures built AFTER the 90’s? This is why it is important to know where you can expect to find it within your home or workplace.
Some places asbestos may be found in your home include but are not limited to:
- Roof gutters, shingles, and siding
- Vinyl floor tile and the adhesives/backing of flooring
- Linoleum flooring/ adhesive
- Deck under-sheeting
- Insulation on pipes, electrical wires etc.
- Artificial fire place logs and ashes
- Acoustic tiles
- Textured walls and ceilings (popcorn ceiling etc.)
- Window glaze and caulk
- Soundproofing
As you can see from the list above, asbestos can be found in a multitude of places that you may encounter on a daily basis. Educating yourself on where you may find asbestos in your home can help protect you and your loved ones from unnecessary exposure. Asbestos can become a health hazard whenever the fibers are disturbed. Disturbances can be caused by storm damage, wear and tear due to age or any renovation activity.
At MY Environmental Consulting, we are here to put your mind at ease regarding all of your asbestos concerns! If you believe that your home may contain asbestos, we always recommend having an asbestos test conducted for suspect materials before ANY demolition or remodeling to reduce risk of exposure to you or your loved ones!