Where Asbestos Is Found

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One of the most common places asbestos is found in homes is in older flooring materials.

Asbestos was frequently used in:

• Vinyl floor tiles
• Sheet vinyl flooring
• Black mastic adhesive used under flooring

Many vinyl asbestos tiles were manufactured in 9 inch by 9 inch sizes, which are commonly found in homes built before the 1980s.

If older flooring materials are discovered, professional asbestos testing can determine whether asbestos fibers are present before removal begins.

Asbestos insulation was widely used around heating pipes, boilers, and mechanical systems because it helped prevent heat loss and provided fire resistance.

Pipe insulation containing asbestos may appear as:

• White or gray wrapping around pipes
• Corrugated cardboard-like insulation
• Cement or plaster insulation coatings

Damaged pipe insulation can release asbestos fibers into the air if disturbed.

Ceiling materials are another common location where asbestos may be present.

Examples include:

• Popcorn ceiling texture
• Spray-applied insulation
• Older ceiling tiles

Homes built before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos in ceiling textures or tiles.

You can learn more about popcorn ceiling asbestos and how it may affect older homes.

Asbestos was also used in exterior building materials because of its durability and resistance to weather damage.

Common examples include:

• Cement siding
• Roofing materials
• Exterior panels

These materials were often installed on homes built between the 1930s and 1980s.

Various insulation products contained asbestos because of its heat-resistant properties.

Asbestos insulation may be found in:

• Attics
• Walls
• Around furnaces and boilers
• Pipe insulation systems

Insulation that is deteriorating or damaged may release asbestos fibers if disturbed.

Asbestos materials are generally considered lower risk when they remain intact and undisturbed. However, when asbestos-containing materials are cut, drilled, sanded, or demolished, microscopic fibers may become airborne.

Once airborne, asbestos fibers can remain suspended in the air and may be inhaled.

You can learn more about when asbestos becomes dangerous and how exposure can occur.

If you suspect asbestos may be present in your home or building, professional inspection and testing can help determine the safest next steps.

HB Environmental Services provides asbestos inspection, testing, and abatement services throughout the St. Louis area.

Our team works with homeowners, contractors, and commercial property managers to safely identify asbestos-containing materials and determine whether removal is necessary.