Found in dozens of items in older buildings, asbestos breaks down into small fibres as it ages or when it is disturbed. Touching or moving it releases the fibres into the air, where they can linger for hours.
Interior locations
Wallboard, drywall and joint compounds
Asbestos was added to plaster, drywall and patching compounds to strengthen and fireproof walls and ceilings.
Attic insulation
Vermiculite insulation, often used in attics, may contain asbestos.
Flooring
Vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring and adhesives may contain asbestos. Sanding, scraping or removing these materials can release fibres.
Ceilings and wall coatings
Popcorn ceilings, textured paints and decorative wall coatings often contained asbestos.
Pipe and duct insulation
Pipes, boilers, furnaces and ductwork may be asbestos-wrapped. Asbestos paper, tape and cloth were used for heat insulation.
Furnaces and boilers
Gaskets, insulation and surrounds for heating appliances and stoves.
Storage areas
Insulation panels in storage heaters, and fire blankets.
Window gaskets and seals
Asbestos has been found in window gasket and sealing materials.
The risks
Breathing in asbestos fibres damages your lungs, causing serious health problems. These include:
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma, a cancer
- Pleural thickening, a lung disease
People exposed to asbestos will not develop illnesses right away. It takes years for your health to suffer. Research shows that smokers who inhale asbestos fibres greatly increase their risk of lung cancer.
Never assume a building material is free of asbestos. You cannot tell just by looking at it. If you suspect asbestos is present, stop work immediately and have a qualified asbestos professional complete an asbestos survey.