This list Is Not Intended To Replace A Licensed Inspection
Use the as a guide only. If you intend on removing anything anywhere in a building built before 1980 a licensed asbestos professional needs to perform an inspection and testing before work begins. Or you may assume asbestos is present. Removal of less the 100 sq. ft. may be disposed of as construction waste. This does not mean an untrained and unlicensed person should do the removal. If the removal is done incorrectly, the potential is there to contaminate the entire building. It is also critical that a clearance inspection be performed in all areas that were removed before reconstruction begins. We have seen too many times when clearance testing was skipped because of budgetary limits. Buildings have been rebuilt only to find asbestos fibers in the air which means all the reconstruction has to come out. Then the areas are inspected and tested until acceptable levels of asbestos fibers are in the air.
Probable Asbestos Containing Building Materials
Used Before the 1980s
Do not rely on the build date for demolition or renovation, remodeling or removal of bearing walls.
Testing is recommended before remodeling, renovation, or demolition of all buildings.
This list is a summary of probable asbestos containing materials.
Do not rely on this list exclusively – testing of any type of material listed above should be tested for asbestos before any level of removal is performed without a confirmed build date before 1980.
Here’s EPAs List of Probable Asbestos Containing Materials:
Flooring
Vinyl tiles and the adhesive used beneath flooring materials, including black asbestos mastic.
Insulation
Common in older buildings for its heat- and fire-resistant properties. Types of insulation that may contain asbestos include vermiculite insulation, cellulose insulation, loose-fill fiberglass insulation, and rock wool insulation.
Popcorn Ceilings
Spray-applied textured ceilings made before 1980 often contain asbestos.
Drywall and Joint Compound
Walls constructed from drywall and the joint compound used for seams and patches may contain asbestos.
Roofing and Siding Materials
Certain roofing, shingles, and siding materials made from asbestos cement.
Pipes and Boilers
Insulation on pipes and boilers can contain asbestos material.
Textured Paints and Coatings: Used on walls and ceilings before being banned in 1977.
Electrical Panels
Asbestos was used as insulation in electrical panels and linings.
Duct Connectors
The fabric connecting ductwork can be a source of asbestos.
Fireproofing Materials
Asbestos was used extensively in materials for fireproofing.
Caulk and Sealants
Used around windows and doors.
Gaskets and Packings
In industrial settings, asbestos was used in high-temperature gaskets and packings.
Cement Pipes
Used in municipal water and sewage systems.
Artificial Ashes and Embers
Used in gas-fired fireplaces.
Wall Patching Compounds
Used for patching and repairing walls.
Vinyl Wall Coverings
Older vinyl wallpapers may contain asbestos.
Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels
Especially those used in drop ceilings.
Spray-Applied Insulation
For soundproofing, fireproofing, or thermal insulation.
Thermal Paper Products
Certain heat-resistant papers.
Electrical Breakers
Older breakers and other electrical components.