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Included among the many building materials that contain asbestos is pipe insulation. Commonly used between the 1930s and the 1970s, asbestos insulation for furnaces and pipes looks white or gray, chalky and wrapped in canvas. It often resembles the plaster used to create a cast for a broken bone.
Another type of asbestos pipe insulation looks like corrugated paper wrapped with tape to fit around a pipe. This asbestos insulation has also been used inside round or rectangular furnace ducts.
Asbestos pipe insulation should be left alone unless it appears to be in poor condition. If asbestos insulation is in fine condition, it should be monitored and sealed, but left in place. However, if it is flaking off or has been exposed to water damage, it is best if it is removed entirely. Removal of this type of asbestos insulation poses one of the greatest threats of asbestos release. When renovating to a new heating system, furnaces or boilers fitted with asbestos insulation should not be handled by a layperson. A professional contractor must be hired to remove the asbestos insulation before the heating system is altered.
Wall and ceiling insulation have also been known to contain asbestos. Loose, blown-in and battery insulation were commonly used in homes from the 1930s to the 1950s. The fire resistant, durable fibers were used as thermal insulation in rooms that needed to be protected from cold outdoor temperatures. Outside wall and floor areas may be insulated with asbestos insulation; roof or attic spaces are also likely to contain asbestos insulation.
As with most other asbestos materials, there is no need for concern if the material is in good condition. There is only a hazard if the materials deteriorate or become damaged or disturbed. This disruption breaks the bundle of asbestos and allows small fibers to enter the air. It is these fibers that cause health risks when inhaled.
It is often difficult to tell if a home material contains asbestos without having it tested by a lab. There are products on the market to test insulation for the presence of asbestos at home, however, it is wisest to consult a professional who is accustomed to handling the toxic substance. People who frequently work with building materials may be able to identify asbestos insulation by sight, but lab tests should still be done to accurately test the material. Careful analysis of any product suspected to contain asbestos is recommended before any home remodeling is done.
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