5 Unusual Sources of Asbestos in the Home

When we think of asbestos, we tend to think of insulation. But asbestos was used in many different applications around the home, and in forms that may not be readily apparent.

1. Asbestos Blanket or Paper Tape

Often used around steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts.

2. Resilient Floor Tiles

This is one application that surprises a lot of homeowners. The backing or adhesive for many vinyl, asphalt, and rubber floor tiles may contain asbestos fibers. Sanding these floors, or even chipping the tiles off, may release these fibers.

3. Artificial Ashes or Embers

The embers in gas-fired fireplaces and stoves (the embers that heat up and glow) may contain asbestos.

4. Soundproofing Material

Sprayed soundproofing material on walls and ceilings may release asbestos fibers when sanded, drilled, or scraped.

5. Asbestos-Cement Roof or Siding Tiles

Those hard, brittle tiles frequently used as siding on homes in the 1940s and 1950s contain asbestos. You won't need to worry about releasing fibers unless you saw or drill these tiles. Otherwise, it is safe to put new siding over these tiles.