Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of thin, microscopic fibers. For much of the 20th century, it was widely used in building materials and industrial products because it is strong, durable, fire-resistant, and resistant to heat and chemicals.

You’ll often find asbestos in older construction, such as floor tiles, insulation, roofing, ceiling materials, and adhesives.

The danger comes when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. This can release tiny fibers into the air, which, if inhaled, can lodge in the lungs and lead to serious health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

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Asbestos was widely used in construction and manufacturing, so it often turns up in older buildings, homes, and industrial sites (typically pre-1980s). Some of the most common places and materials where asbestos can be found include:

Building Materials

Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles, linoleum, and the adhesives (mastics) used to set them

Ceilings & Walls: Popcorn ceiling textures, ceiling tiles, drywall joint compound, plaster, and cement board

Roofing & Siding: Asphalt roofing shingles, roofing felt, cement siding, and corrugated roofing panels

Insulation: Pipe and boiler insulation, furnace insulation, vermiculite insulation (often in attics), and spray-applied fireproofing

Other Uses

Textiles: Fireproof blankets, gloves, and heat-resistant fabrics

Automotive Products: Brake pads, clutches, and gaskets

Industrial Applications: Millboards, laboratory countertops, and chemical-resistant materials

In general, asbestos is most common in older structures. If these materials are left undisturbed and intact, they may not pose an immediate hazard—but when damaged, cut, or removed improperly, asbestos fibers can become airborne and dangerous to inhale.

Asbestos abatement is the process of safely removing or reducing asbestos hazards. Because asbestos fibers are dangerous when airborne, abatement must be handled with strict safety measures by trained professionals.

Here’s how it’s typically done:

1. Inspection & Testing

A certified asbestos inspector collects samples of suspected materials (e.g., tile, insulation, ceiling coatings).

A laboratory confirms whether asbestos is present and at what concentration.

2. Worksite Preparation

The area is sealed off with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines to prevent fibers from escaping.

Warning signs are posted, and access is restricted.

Workers wear protective gear, including respirators and disposable coveralls.

3. Abatement Methods

There are three main approaches, depending on the material and its condition:

Encapsulation: A sealant is applied to the asbestos-containing material (ACM) to bind the fibers and prevent them from becoming airborne.

Enclosure: A barrier (like drywall or airtight containment) is built around the ACM to isolate it.

Removal: The asbestos material is carefully wetted, dismantled, double-bagged in leak-tight containers, and taken to an approved hazardous waste facility.

4. Cleanup & Clearance

The area is thoroughly cleaned with HEPA vacuums and wet-wiping methods.

Air monitoring and clearance testing ensure asbestos fibers are no longer present at hazardous levels.

Only then is the area declared safe for re-occupancy.