What to Do If You Find Asbestos in Your Home
- Logan Donahue
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Finding out your home may contain asbestos can be alarming—but don’t panic. Asbestos is a common material in many older homes, and when handled properly, it doesn’t have to pose a health threat. Here’s what you need to know and the steps to take if you suspect or discover asbestos in your house.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once used in many building materials for its strength, insulation, and fire resistance. It was commonly found in:
Insulation around pipes or boilers
Ceiling or floor tiles (especially 9x9 floor tiles from mid-century homes)
Roofing shingles and siding
Textured “popcorn” ceilings
Drywall joint compound
Homes built before the 1980s are most likely to contain asbestos somewhere in their structure.
Why Asbestos Can Be Dangerous
Asbestos is only hazardous when disturbed. If tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air and inhaled, they can cause serious respiratory issues over time, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. That’s why it’s critical not to touch, scrape, or sand any material you suspect may contain asbestos.
Step 1: Do Not Disturb It
If the material looks intact—no crumbling, cracking, or breaking—leave it alone. Disturbing asbestos can release fibers into the air. Avoid vacuuming, sweeping, or trying to remove it yourself. Simply restrict access to the area until a professional can evaluate it.
Step 2: Have It Tested by a Professional
Only a certified asbestos inspector or environmental testing company can confirm whether a material actually contains asbestos. They’ll safely take samples and send them to a lab for analysis. You’ll get a detailed report showing exactly what was found and at what concentration.
👉 Pro tip: Don’t rely on visual inspection alone—many asbestos materials look identical to safe alternatives.
Step 3: Plan for Removal or Encapsulation
If asbestos is found and the material is damaged or in an area likely to be disturbed (like a renovation zone), a licensed asbestos abatement contractor should handle it.They may recommend one of two options:
Encapsulation: Sealing the asbestos in place so fibers can’t escape.
Removal: Safely extracting and disposing of asbestos materials under controlled conditions.
Never attempt either process yourself—it requires special equipment, containment procedures, and disposal permits.
Step 4: Clean-Up and Follow-Up Testing
After removal or encapsulation, professionals will perform air monitoring to make sure the space is safe to reoccupy. They’ll also handle disposal according to state and EPA guidelines.
Step 5: Stay Informed for the Future
If you plan to remodel or sell your home, keep records of asbestos testing and abatement. Future contractors or buyers will appreciate knowing that your home was handled safely and professionally.
Bottom Line
Finding asbestos doesn’t have to mean danger—it just means you need to take the right steps. Leave the material undisturbed, get it professionally tested, and rely on licensed experts for any removal work. With proper precautions, your home can remain safe and comfortable for years to come.