Asbestos was used in many homes built before the 1980s. Today, homeowners may still face asbestos exposure from flooring, ceiling tiles, insulation and piping in many older homes. Any exposure to these home construction materials may cause asbestos-related diseases.
Where is asbestos most commonly found in homes?
Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives. Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape. Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.
How do you know if you're around asbestos?
Is there any way of knowing if I have been exposed to asbestos? The most common test used to learn if you have been exposed to asbestos is a chest x-ray. The x-ray cannot detect the asbestos fibers themselves, but can detect early signs of lung disease caused by asbestos.