Asbestos is a type of fiber that was commonly used in construction projects before the 1980s. If the fibers have been disturbed or damaged and released into the air, they could potentially cause health problems. Luckily, asbestos hasn’t been commonly used since 1985, so you don’t have to worry about it as much unless your house was built before then. Here are some common building materials from before 1985 that may contain asbestos:
- Popcorn ceilings
- Exposed insulation
- Linoleum flooring and tiles
- Drywall
- Roof shingles
- Siding
Is Asbestos Still Used Today?
Many countries have banned asbestos, but the ban did not pass in the U.S. You can still find asbestos in different products like roofing materials, cement piping, potting soil, and even a few home appliances; however, less than one percent of the final product is asbestos. It’s much less of a problem than it was in building materials from before the 1980s, but it could still be worth inspecting if you’re concerned.
How Can You Tell if There’s Asbestos in Your Home?
Unfortunately, you can’t really see or smell asbestos, but it isn’t actually a dangerous substance until the fibers have been disturbed or damaged. If your home was built before 1985, it’s important to look out for the above materials because they likely contain asbestos. If you’re not sure about the materials in your home but know it was built before 1985, you can give us a call at Remtech Environmental to schedule an evaluation and removal today.