What Does Asbestos Look Like?

We hear so much about how hazarous Asbestos is and that it shouldnt be disturbed. But i wonder, would you actually know what Asbestos Containing Materials would look like? and if you know, how do you know?

• Answer:

  I have been removing asbestos for 18 years. Over time of removing the same types of materials, there are some you know, and there are others you dont. The only way to truly tell (legally) is to have the materials sampled by a certified inspector and sampled by an accredited lab. Other than uncoated wood, metal, glass and plastic, all building materials are "suspect materials" and have a possibility of containing asbestos. A short list would include : plaster,sheet rock,joint compounds,all vinyl flooring (tiles/lineolium) mastics,glues, ceiling tiles,roofing materials, insulation on pipes, furnaces and boilers , ductwork insulation and tape, gaskets, window caulk and glazing and even paint. Older buildings and homes (prior to 1972) have the highest chance of having asbestos containing materials and the most hazardous. The most hazardous being thermal system insulation (furnace/boiler). These are usually white/grey in color with a chalky fiberous texture.These are of great concern because they are easily damaged and contain the highest amount of fibers(up to 80-90%). Another type of thermal system insulation is a white/grey corrugated paper type with a honeycombed center commonly referred to as air-cell. This too is easily damaged with a relatively high fiber concentration. Buildings and homes built between 1972 and 1983 have a slight chance of abestos containing thermal system insulation but its normally confined to mudded joints and seams on fiberglass. The main areas asbestos is found here is in floor tiles and lineoleum,ceiling tiles,joint compounds mastics and glues. Buildings and homes after 1983 usually only contain asbestos in floor tiles, mastics and glues and roofing materials.These materials can have up to 50% asbestos content, but arent easily damaged and dont easily release fibers. I have repeatedly removed many asbestos containing materials over 18 years and I am quite familiar with them. I am a licensed Asbestos Supervisor and a licensed Asbestos Inspector in multiple states. I say this because by law, no matter how experienced I am,I am not allowed to say that a material does or does not contain asbestos without proper sampling. If you are concerned about any type of building material, a good rule of thumb would be to refrain from sawing, sanding, grinding, drilling or using any other method that creates dust until you know for sure.