What Is Asbestos—and Why Was It Used in Homes?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in home construction for its durability and resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. You’ll find it in many materials installed before the 1980s, such as:
- Insulation
- Vinyl flooring and adhesives
- Popcorn ceilings
- Cement siding
- Roof shingles
- Pipe insulation
While asbestos was praised for its performance, we now know it poses serious health risks when disturbed.
Is It Safe to Live in a House with Asbestos?
Here’s the truth:
Asbestos isn’t necessarily dangerous unless it’s disturbed.
If materials containing asbestos are intact, undamaged, and left alone, they typically won’t release harmful fibers into the air. In fact, many people live in homes with asbestos without realizing it.
However, if those materials become damaged—either through wear, aging, renovations, or natural disasters—asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled, leading to serious health risks.
⚠️ Health Risks from Asbestos Exposure:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Other respiratory diseases
These conditions may not show up for decades, which is why asbestos testing and management are so important in older homes.
👉 Learn more from the CDC about the health risks of asbestos
When Should You Test for Asbestos?
If your home was built before 1980, you should consider professional asbestos testing—especially if:
- You’re planning a renovation or demolition
- You notice crumbling insulation or ceiling tiles
- Flooring, siding, or pipe insulation is deteriorating
- You’re buying or selling a home built mid-century or earlier
Never try to remove or test suspected materials yourself. Only certified professionals can collect samples safely and analyze them in a lab.
What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?
If testing confirms the presence of asbestos, your next steps depend on its location and condition:
- Leave it undisturbed if it’s intact and in an area that won’t be accessed or modified
- Encapsulation may be used to seal materials and prevent fiber release
- Abatement (removal) is necessary if the material is damaged, deteriorating, or in a renovation zone
Always hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to handle removal—they follow strict federal and state guidelines to contain and dispose of materials safely.
👉 EPA guidelines on asbestos in the home
Bottom Line: Stay Informed and Proactive
Yes, you can live in a house with asbestos—as long as the material is undisturbed and in good condition. But knowledge is key. Testing, monitoring, and working with qualified professionals can help you live safely and confidently in an older home.
Not sure if your home has asbestos?
Contact us today for a professional inspection and peace of mind.