Where Asbestos is Commonly Found in Buildings

Up until the past handful of decades, asbestos was heavily used in building materials. It was cheap, accessible, and, at the time, we didn’t see any downsides. But that didn’t last. Now, it’s crucial to recognize what building products in your home may contain asbestos.

A Brief Explanation of Asbestos

Asbestos is a term that refers to six naturally occurring minerals composed of microscopic fibers:

• Chrysotile
• Amosite
•  Crocidolite
•  Anthophyllite
• Tremolite
• Actinolite

The microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are strong, durable, and can even function as a flame and heat retardant, making them prime material for construction and industrial use.

However, the dangers of asbestos became apparent when it was discovered that asbestos released airborne microscopic filaments when interacted with. If inhaled, these tiny fibers would embed themselves into the soft tissues of the lungs and throat, eventually causing deadly health conditions such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos in Buildings

While the use of asbestos has declined (and is even banned in many countries), specific types of asbestos can still be found in many building products even today. So let’s discuss where you may still be able to find this dangerous mineral within your home.

1. 
   

   Chrysotile, also referred to as white asbestos, is the most common form of asbestos. It is most often found in ceiling sealants, roofing materials, plaster walls, gaskets, and certain cement flooring.

   
   
2. 
   

   Amosite, or brown asbestos, is the second most common form of asbestos. It was primarily utilized in thermal and pipe insulation, cement sheets, and ceiling tiles.

   
   
3. 
   

   Crocidolite, known as blue asbestos, was mainly found in yarn and rope lagging used as pipe insulation and spray-on insulation. Crocidolite only makes up 4% of asbestos in the U.S.

   
   
4. 
   

   Anthophyllite had its limited use in composite flooring. It mainly occurs as a contaminant in chrysolite, talc, and vermiculite.

   
   

While tremolite and actinolite are not used commercially, they are also found as contaminants in chrysolite, talc, and vermiculite.

The Hidden Threat in Older Insulation

One of the most widespread uses of asbestos was in insulation, especially pipe, boiler, and duct insulation. Before the 1980s, asbestos was prized for its ability to retain heat without burning, making it ideal for mechanical rooms and attics.

However, as these materials age, they become brittle, flake, and release microscopic fibers into the air. Even simple maintenance tasks like changing a furnace filter or repairing plumbing can disturb these materials. Because insulation is often hidden behind walls or beneath floors, homeowners might never realize the risk until renovations begin.

Asbestos in Decorative and Acoustic Finishes

During the mid-20th century, asbestos was mixed into decorative coatings and texture sprays to create “popcorn ceilings,” soundproof panels, and plaster finishes.

These applications gave buildings a modern aesthetic and improved acoustics, but they also embedded asbestos in ceilings and walls throughout homes, schools, and offices. When scraped, sanded, or repainted, these materials can release fibers that linger in the air for hours. The danger is particularly high in schools and public buildings where these finishes have not been removed or sealed.

Contamination in Floor Tiles and Adhesives

Vinyl floor tiles, linoleum backing, and adhesive mastics are another overlooked source of asbestos. Many 9×9-inch tiles manufactured between the 1950s and 1980s contained asbestos for added strength and heat resistance.

When tiles crack, curl, or are pried up during remodeling, they can release toxic dust into the environment. Even the adhesive beneath may contain asbestos fibers, which can remain hazardous long after the visible flooring is gone. Professional testing and encapsulation are the safest approaches when dealing with old flooring materials.

Modern-Day Risks During Renovation and Demolition

Even though asbestos use has declined dramatically, exposure risks persist in renovation and demolition projects. Contractors and homeowners who disturb old drywall, roofing felt, or cement siding can unknowingly create exposure hazards.

Federal and state laws require asbestos inspections before major projects, but do-it-yourself renovations often bypass these safeguards. When older materials are removed without containment or air monitoring, everyone nearby, including neighbors, may be exposed. That’s why licensed abatement professionals are essential, not only for compliance but also for long-term health protection.

When Does Asbestos Become a Health Hazard?

Asbestos was a staple in construction and manufacturing, peaking in the early 1940s through the 1970s. This means that any houses or building products constructed during this time asbestos has a very high chance of still being present.

While this alone shouldn’t cause panic for homeowners—exposure only occurs when the asbestos is disturbed—this is a huge concern for construction workers, maintenance workers, and anyone who interacts with contaminated building materials.

Due to the nature of asbestos, disturbing asbestos-containing materials during the construction, demolition, remodeling, repair, and maintenance of a building increases the risk of exposure. Any amount of asbestos exposure is bad exposure. Our bodies have no way to remove the unwanted particles once they have embedded themselves.

This is why it is crucial to hire professional inspectors to determine whether or not your home contains asbestos in any part of the construction. This is vital to do before engaging in any remodeling, construction, maintenance, etc., to protect you, your family, and the workers themselves.

It’s essential to keep in mind that asbestos was not only used in building materials but also in the manufacturing process of some tools and products that may have been used in the building process as well.

Have You or a Loved One Been Exposed to Asbestos?

If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos-contaminated products or are suffering from adverse health issues due to that exposure, we recommend seeking legal counsel immediately. At Cooney & Conway, our asbestos litigation experts will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.