Educational asbestos exposure resource
Asbestos in Homes and Older Buildings
Asbestos was widely used in older buildings because it resisted heat, strengthened materials, and helped with fire protection and insulation.
Plain-English asbestos education
This page is part of the MesotheliomaClaims.us educational resource library. It is intended to help readers understand asbestos exposure, asbestos-containing materials, and the types of information people commonly research after learning about mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
MesotheliomaClaims.us is not a law firm and does not provide legal or medical advice.
Why asbestos was used in buildings
Asbestos was historically added to many building materials because it was durable, heat-resistant, and inexpensive. In older buildings, asbestos may be associated with insulation, floor tile, mastic, ceiling texture, roofing, siding, cement products, fireproofing, and mechanical systems.
Homes, schools, hospitals, public buildings, offices, and industrial facilities may have contained asbestos materials depending on their age, renovation history, and original construction products.
Important
Visual appearance alone cannot confirm whether a material contains asbestos. Proper sampling and laboratory analysis are typically needed.
Common building materials that may have contained asbestos
- Pipe insulation and mechanical insulation
- Vinyl floor tile and black mastic adhesive
- Textured ceilings and sprayed materials
- Roofing shingles, flashing, and felt materials
- Transite siding, panels, and cement board
- Boiler, furnace, and duct insulation
- Joint compound, drywall systems, and plaster products
- Fireproofing and acoustical materials
When building materials become a concern
Asbestos-containing materials are generally most concerning when they are damaged, deteriorated, friable, or disturbed during renovation, repair, demolition, or removal. Cutting, sanding, scraping, grinding, or breaking suspect materials can create airborne fiber concerns.
Reminder: This content is for general education only. MesotheliomaClaims.us is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice, and does not provide medical advice.