Asbestos within a Household
Knowing the typical locations of asbestos contamination is very important. However, sometimes individuals are unaware of what to even look for if their home had been built during the time when asbestos was used. Unfortunately, asbestos is not visible to the naked eye. Its fibers are microscopic which does not make it noticeable in typical locations in which it was used. If you know your home has been built using asbestos material, and are unsure of what locations could be contaminated, it is best to have a sample taken to be diagnosed by a professional affiliated with asbestos. The most typical locations for asbestos in the home are through flooring, boilers and insulation. It can take many shapes and forms but the following are certain formations of asbestos within the home:
Asbestos was highly used in insulation because of its durability and fire resistant qualities. It is able to bind successfully to any type of piping. Its color can range from white to grey and take on a soft looking texture.
Basements of homes are also often sites for asbestos material. Transite sheets are almost always contaminated with asbestos material in homes that are older. They are most likely connected to ventilation pipes that travel through the entire home
Another basement location that is typical for asbestos is boilers. The heat and chemical resistance of the material made it a "must have" for boilers between the 1940s and 1970s. Older boilers can actually have asbestos dust right on the unit itself. (Among rust and other particles)
Vinyl tiles were very common to install in homes between the 40s and 70s. Homeowners at the time used these tiles because of their durability and "wear and tear" capabilities. If disrupted, toxins can be released into the air from the dust of the tile particles. Even the smallest cracks or loose pieces can become hazardous.
There are general areas where asbestos material is typically found. If in doubt, always contact a professional for further explanation and investigation. There are numerous resources for obtaining information on asbestos within the home and determine whether or not you or a loved one have been effected.
