Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once commonly used in construction materials for its heat-resistant properties. However, it has been discovered that asbestos can harm human health, causing several serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Despite its known dangers, asbestos can still be found in many commercial and residential buildings today, especially those built before the 1990s. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 12 areas where asbestos is commonly found in buildings so that you can avoid exposure and keep yourself and others safe.
1. Insulation in walls and attics
The number 1 area where asbestos is commonly found in commercial and residential buildings is insulation in walls and attics. Asbestos was often used as an insulating material because of its heat-resistant properties.
The asbestos fibres were mixed with other materials to create insulation that could be blown, sprayed, or rolled into place.
However, if the insulation is damaged, the asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled, harming human health. Hiring a professional to inspect and remove damaged asbestos insulation is important to avoid potential health risks.
2. Pipe insulation
Asbestos-containing pipe insulation is a common source of asbestos exposure in residential and commercial buildings. This type of insulation was used on pipes carrying hot water or steam, often with a paper or cloth covering that could be removed from the insulation.
Asbestos-containing pipe insulation may also have been used to insulate exhaust ducts, often made of metal or plastic. If you suspect that you have asbestos-containing pipe insulation in your building, it is important to have it tested for asbestos before removing it yourself.
Suppose you notice visible asbestos pipe insulation in your home or business. Removing it as soon as possible is important because it could become brittle over time, increasing the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. If you think you have asbestos pipe insulation in your building, contact Phase One Asbestos today for more information about how we can help!
3. Ceiling tiles
Ceiling tiles are standard for asbestos exposure in commercial and residential buildings. Asbestos was often used to insulate the ceiling of these buildings, which is why it’s essential to watch for any signs of damage or crumbling in the ceiling tiles. If you suspect that asbestos is present in your building’s ceiling tiles, it’s best to contact an asbestos removal team before continuing to use the building.
If you’re unsure whether your building has been exposed to asbestos, there are some tell-tale signs. Crumbling or cracking ceiling tiles can indicate that asbestos has been disturbed. You should also check for discolouration on the surface of the tile. Yellowing or browning suggests possible exposure.
4. Vinyl flooring and backing
Vinyl flooring and backing is a common materials that can contain asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic material used in many building products, including vinyl flooring and backing.
Vinyl flooring and backing are often used as a substitute for hardwood or tile. It can be found in commercial buildings such as schools, hospitals, office buildings and retail stores. The flooring can also be found in residential homes.
The most common type of vinyl flooring contains asbestos fibres that can become airborne when the flooring is sanded or cut into pieces for installation. As we mentioned, when the fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer).
5. Roofing materials
Roofing materials are a top spot to watch for asbestos in commercial and residential buildings. Asbestos-containing roofing materials were used because of their fireproof and waterproof properties. Asbestos-containing roofing materials can be found in asphalt shingles, tar paper, and painted surfaces.
Roofing materials may contain asbestos but are often not labelled as such. This makes it difficult to know if your building contains asbestos-containing roofing materials, but it is essential to keep an eye out for them.
If you suspect that your building has asbestos-containing roofing material, you should watch for signs of damage or wear on the roofing material. If there is any damage or wear, it’s important to have the roof checked by a professional and have the building inspected for any indications of asbestos.
6. Cement pipes
Cement pipes are everywhere and are a great place to look for asbestos. Asbestos was used in cement pipes because it’s an excellent fire retardant and using the same material in both places made sense.
However, cement pipes are often covered with layers of paint and coatings that can hide the presence of asbestos. Remove these layers and check the pipe if you want to check for asbestos in your building’s plumbing. But we don’t recommend doing this by yourself. This is a job for a professional.
7. Fireproofing materials
Number 7 on the list of familiar places where asbestos is found in fireproofing materials. Fireproofing materials protect structural steel in a building from fire damage.
These materials often contain asbestos fibres that help to make them more resistant to heat and fire. Using asbestos in fireproofing was common in buildings constructed before the 1980s.
If asbestos-containing fireproofing materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release microscopic fibres that can be inhaled, leading to serious health problems. These fibres can cause scar tissue to form in the lungs, making breathing difficult and leading to conditions like asbestosis or mesothelioma.
It’s important to note that fireproofing materials containing asbestos are not typically hazardous unless damaged, deteriorating, or otherwise disturbed. If you suspect, there may be asbestos-containing fireproofing materials in your building. It’s best to consult a professional to determine the best action.
8. HVAC duct insulation
HVAC duct insulation is a major concern for the presence of asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in HVAC systems to insulate, protect and fireproof the ducts. Asbestos fibres can be released into the air when these systems are disturbed.
This is especially concerning in older buildings where original ducts may have been damaged or replaced with more modern materials that do not contain asbestos. Asbestos-containing materials were also sometimes used in new construction. If you are renovating an older building or installing a new HVAC system, check with your contractor that they use non-asbestos materials.
9. Electrical wiring insulation
Many commercial buildings have electrical wiring installed in the walls, but you might be surprised to learn that this is also a common place to find asbestos. The insulation around electrical wiring, including any covering or casings, is made from asbestos. Some may contain asbestos if you have an older building with lots of exposed electrical wiring.
To find out if your building has asbestos in its electrical wiring, hire a professional inspection company to come out and perform an inspection. This will give you peace of mind knowing whether or not there are any risks in your building so you can take action if necessary.
10. Siding materials
Siding materials are the stuff people use to make the outside of buildings pretty and to stop the bad weather from getting in. They used to put asbestos in some siding materials, especially cement. This was a big thing back then, and loads of buildings from the middle of the last century still have it today.
The cement and asbestos mix made the siding stuff strong and able to deal with things like fire and crazy weather. But, over time, the siding can break down and let asbestos fibres into the air. This can happen if the siding gets damaged or someone tries to do DIY work on it. It’s important to get someone to check if your building has asbestos siding. If it does, you should get a professional to care for it. They’ll make sure that everything’s safe and that nobody gets hurt.
11. Joint compounds and spackling
A common place to find asbestos is in joint compounds and spackling materials. Joint compounds seal cracks and gaps between two different surfaces, like the walls of your home or office building. Spackling is a plaster-like substance that fills holes in walls, ceilings, and floors.
Asbestos was often added to these compounds as an additive to make them more durable and flexible, but it also made them more dangerous.
Exceptionally when used on older buildings, asbestos could also be present in other parts of the structure. Because these compounds are applied to the joints between surfaces, they could quickly become damaged over time or during renovations. When that happens, those areas must be repaired quickly so that asbestos doesn’t get rereleased into the air!
12. Decorative plasters and coatings
Decorative plasters and coatings create various textures and effects in interior spaces. They can be made from a wide range of materials, including asbestos. If you’re remodelling your home or business, you must know what kinds of decorative plastering are present to understand the risks involved.
In some cases, avoiding removing these materials altogether may make sense if they aren’t damaged. However, if they are damaged or need replacing, you must find an expert to help you find an alternative safe material for your family and employees.
What Should You Do if You Suspect There Is Asbestos in Your Building?
If you got a hunch that there’s asbestos lurking in your crib, don’t just sit there like a bump on a log. You gotta take action ASAP to keep yourself and others safe!
First and foremost, don’t stir up any of the material. That stuff is bad news and can release harmful fibres into the air if disturbed.
Next, contact a pro who knows how to handle asbestos. You don’t wanna mess around with this stuff, trust me. These guys can thoroughly inspect and test the material to see if it’s asbestos.
If you want to know for sure, you can take a small sample of the material and have it tested by a lab specialising in asbestos analysis. But be careful and make sure you’re not putting yourself in harm’s way.
Once you’ve identified the area with the asbestos, keep people away. You don’t want anyone coming into contact with that dangerous material.
If you decide to remove the asbestos, ensure you follow all the safety procedures. That means wearing protective gear, using the right equipment, and disposing of the material properly.
And don’t forget to keep records of everything you’ve done. That way, you’ll know you comply with all the rules and have proof if there are any issues.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Professional Asbestos Removal Company?
If you’re dealing with asbestos in your building, don’t consider handling it yourself. That’s just asking for trouble. You need to hire a professional asbestos removal company, like Phase One Asbestos, to take care of it.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring a pro:
Safety
Asbestos is dangerous and can cause serious health problems if mishandled. Professional asbestos removal experts have the knowledge, training, and equipment to handle asbestos safely and efficiently. They know how to minimise the risk of exposure and protect themselves and others from harm.
Compliance
There are all kinds of regulations and laws around handling asbestos. You could end up in hot water if you don’t know what you’re doing. But professional asbestos removal companies, like Phase One Asbestos, know exactly what they’re doing and how to comply with all the rules.
Experience
Removing asbestos is a tricky business. It takes experience and expertise to do it right. Professional asbestos removal companies have been doing this for years and know all the ins and outs of the process. In addition, it is recommended that you visit their Google Business Profile to read the reviews left by their customers.
Efficiency
Asbestos removal can be a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. But professional asbestos removal companies have the right tools and techniques to do the job quickly and efficiently.
Peace of mind
When you hire a professional asbestos removal company, you can rest easy knowing that the job is done correctly. You don’t have to worry about health risks, legal compliance, or process efficiency. You can just sit back and let the pros handle it.
So if you’ve got asbestos in your building, don’t take any chances. Call Phase One Asbestos and let the professionals care for you.
