How to identify and remove asbestos from homes

Asbestos is a mineral with excellent heat resistance and durability, leading to it being widely used in construction materials, starting in the early 1900 hundreds until the associated risks of cancer from Asbestos exposure became clear. A phase out began in the early 1970s in some products, which did take some 20 years to complete. Some building products intentionally contained asbestos up until the early 1990s in Canada and North America, due in large part to one of the major producers being located in the town formerly known as Asbestos in the Estrie region of Quebec - and which is now known as Val-des-Sources or "Valley of the Springs" after a rebranding exercise!

Even today, many products still contain or are contaminated by asbestos, either intentionally or accidentally. Items like spackling paste, joint compounds, duct tape, rubberized leak stoppers, gyp board, HVAC components, roof patch, and gaskets are just a few examples. Asbestos cement pipes, used for water supply due to their durability and minimal fiber release, are still in use. These cement products often contain 20–50% asbestos, making them long-lasting and maintenance-free.

Asbestos is most dangerous when inhaled, which is why strict limits exist. For example, air is regulated to 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter over an 8-hour period, while water tolerances allow up to 7 million fibers per liter. This disparity highlights the importance of understanding exposure risks in different contexts, but for the purposes of renovation, demolition or deconstruction of homes let's just agree that preventing asbestos getting in the air we breath is an important consideration.

Health risks of asbestos exposure

Exposure to asbestos carries serious health concerns, and the long-term effects may take up to 30 or 40 years to develop.

Various health risks associated with asbestos exposure include lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and other organs), and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, whose health risks arise when asbestos fibers are released into the air and inhaled.

It is for this reason that asbestos-containing building materials are particularly dangerous during demolition and renovations, when the fibers and particles can become airborne. Building materials containing asbestos do not pose a significant risk to residents until they are disturbed and become airborne, but they should be considered if choosing an older home that requires significant renovation as professional mitigation will add significantly to your costs.

Common building materials in homes that contain asbestos

Asbestos was used in a wide range of construction materials in homes up until as late as 1999 it is thought. Asbestos was commonly found in insulation, flooring, wall coverings, paints, sealants, pipe covers and ducts. The uses of asbestos were wide ranging; below see a list of when asbestos was phased out of various building materials.

When and how to carry out testing for asbestos

If your home was built before 1999, be sure to have any suspicious materials tested for asbestos content before starting any renovation work. Removal needs to be done by accredited asbestos abatement specialists.

What to do if asbestos is present in your home

If there are materials in your home that contain asbestos but are in good condition and not disturbed, there is no immediate need for removal. However, when planning any type of demolition for renovations or repairs, it's important to protect yourself from the risk of dust and asbestos exposure.

Always engage a professional contractor with the necessary expertise to handle identification and safe removal if deemed necessary.

Safety protocols and asbestos removal during renovations

Professionals involved in asbestos abatement must by law follow strict safety protocols to protect workers and residents from exposure to any airborne particles and fibers. This includes the use of appropriate PPE, and containment measures to isolate areas where removal is happening from the rest of the house.

DIY asbestos precautions for small repairs

We don’t wish to put the fear of God in you for small jobs, but it is smart to take precautions to avoid asbestos exposure during small DIY home projects. If you are not certain your home is free of asbestos, take care even when drilling small holes in a wall for mounting shelves or artwork, for small DIY drywall repairs and certainly when sanding any suspicious materials. If you think your home might have asbestos, and you're about to embark on any significant breaking of drywall or materials, ask a professional asbestos testing company for their advice before starting work.

• Set up a containment area around the work zone by using plastic barriers to contain particles.
• Wear proper PPE such as a high-quality certified respirator or mask, gloves, and protective eyewear.
• Wetting materials and humidifying the air will minimize the release of dust that can contain asbestos.
• Clean the area thoroughly after completing the work to remove any remaining dust.
• Use a vacuum with a Hepa filter to protect indoor air quality.

Where is asbestos found in homes and when it was phased out:

Asbestos in home insulation from the early 1900s to mid-1970s: Asbestos fibers were used in attic insulation, wall insulation, and around boilers and furnaces. It was phased out in the 70s though some products continued to include into the early 1990s.

Asbestos-containing cement products for siding and roofing between 1900s to early 1980s:

Asbestos was included in cement products to increase strength and durability, including siding, roof shingles and cement board, which is often referred to as ‘Transite’. It was phased out by the mid-1980s.

Asbestos in Floor Tiles from the 1950s to early 1980s: Vinyl floor tiles, adhesives (mastic), and backing materials often contained asbestos, and it as phased out by the late 80s but in some applications, it was used up to the early 1990s.

Asbestos in roofing materials from 1900s to 1970: Asbestos shingles, felt, and roofing coatings were used for their fire resistance and durability until being phased out in the 1970s.

 Asbestos in Insulation for Boilers and Furnaces from the 1900s to mid-1970s: Asbestos was commonly used for thermal insulation in boilers, furnaces, and heating pipes. Some installations could have continued into the early 1990s.

Asbestos in drywall and plaster from the 1940s to mid 1970s Some drywall and plaster materials contained asbestos to provide fire resistance. It was phased out in the 70s but certain types were still used until the early 1980s.

Asbestos in paint and textured coatings from 1950s to mid-1970s: Paints and textured coatings such as popcorn ceiling textures often contained asbestos for its fire-retardant properties. It may be found in products from as late as the early 1980s.

Asbestos in electrical insulation from the early 1900s to 1970s. Asbestos was often used in electrical wiring insulation and other electrical components for its heat-resistant properties, and may still have been manufactured until the early 1980s.

Asbestos in gaskets and appliances seals for boilers from the 1900s to mid-1970s: Asbestos was used in gaskets and seals for appliances, plumbing, and industrial equipment due to its resistance to heat and chemicals.

Asbestos in homes - more of a problem than most people realize

In conclusion, older homes across Canada and the U.S. are often filled with materials that may contain asbestos - a serious health hazard if disturbed. Whether it’s insulation, floor tiles, roofing, or joint compounds, asbestos was widely used in building materials for decades due to its durability and fire resistance. However, when these materials are damaged or improperly handled during renovations, demolition, or deconstruction, asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose a significant risk to health.

If you’re planning any work on an older home and suspect the presence of asbestos, it’s crucial to act with caution. Never attempt to handle or remove suspected asbestos materials on your own. Instead, consult professionals who specialize in asbestos identification and removal. Licensed experts have the training and equipment necessary to safely manage and mitigate these risks, protecting you, your family, and the environment.

When it comes to asbestos, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Taking the right steps now ensures your home remains a safe and healthy place for years to come.