Where Is Asbestos Most Commonly Found?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used until the late 1980’s in building materials and other products due to its heat resistance and durability. Asbestos was then banned because exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Despite being banned throughout the United States, asbestos can still be found in many older homes and buildings. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the places in homes and businesses where asbestos is most commonly found to this day. If you are a home or business owner in Massachusetts that believes asbestos is present in your house or building, contact DCM Environmental Testing today for a free asbestos testing estimate!
Where Is Asbestos Most Commonly Found In Homes?
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials until the 1980's, which means that many homes built before then may still contain asbestos to this day. Some of the most common places where asbestos can be found in homes include:
- Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used as insulation in walls, attics, and around pipes and boilers.
- Ceiling Tiles: Asbestos was often used in ceiling tiles, particularly in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
- Flooring: Vinyl flooring and the adhesive used to install it may contain asbestos.
- Roofing materials: Asbestos was commonly used in roofing shingles, particularly in homes built before the 1980's.
- Textured paint: Textured paint used on walls and ceilings prior to the 1980s may contain asbestos.
If you are planning any renovations or repairs that may disturb asbestos-containing materials, it's essential to have them tested and removed by a licensed professional. Failure to do so can result in the release of asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems over time.
Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found In Schools & Businesses?
Until the 1980s, asbestos was a popular choice in schools and businesses for insulation, fireproofing, and soundproofing. Testing for & removing asbestos is important to protect the health of students or employees who may be exposed to them on a regular basis.
Some examples of places where asbestos is commonly found in schools and businesses include:
- Boilers and heating vessels
- Cement pipes
- Laboratory furniture
- Paper products
- Roofing products
- Insulation products
- Curtains & other textiles
- Vinyl tile
Contact DCM Environmental Testing!
If you believe your home or business may contain asbestos, it's crucial to test for it as soon as possible. At DCM Environmental, we provide Massachusetts and the surrounding region with professional, unbiased testing for asbestos and other hazardous materials. Contact us today to learn more or get a free asbestos testing estimate by calling us at (617) 481-5782 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
