- Alexander Rodriguez
The Dangers of Ignoring Asbestos in Older Homes
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Alright, let’s talk about something serious but super important—asbestos. If you live in or are thinking about buying an older home, this is one of those things you really don’t want to ignore. It’s not just “some old material from back in the day.” Asbestos can be dangerous. Like, really dangerous. And the scariest part? You might not even know it’s there.
Whether you’re renovating, repairing, or just doing some spring cleaning—this stuff matters. At ERX – Emergency Restoration Xperts, we’ve seen firsthand how big of a problem hidden asbestos can be. So here’s everything you need to know about the risks and what to do about it.
So, What Is Asbestos Anyway?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were used in construction because they’re strong, don’t burn, and resist heat. Sounds great, right?
Well, not anymore.
Before the 1980s, asbestos was put in all kinds of stuff:
- Insulation in walls and attics
- Floor tiles
- Roofing shingles
- Siding
- Pipe coverings
- Ceiling textures (like popcorn ceilings)
The problem is that when these materials get old or damaged, they can release tiny asbestos fibers into the air—and that’s where the danger comes in.
Why Is Asbestos So Dangerous?
It’s not dangerous when it’s sitting still and undisturbed. But once those fibers break loose and get in the air? They can be breathed in. And your body does not handle them well.
Over time, asbestos exposure can cause some very serious health problems:
- Mesothelioma (a rare cancer linked only to asbestos)
- Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs)
- Lung cancer
- Chronic respiratory issues
These issues usually take years to show up, but once they do… it’s too late to go back. That’s why prevention is so important.
Where Might Asbestos Be Hiding in My Home?
If your house was built before the mid-1980s, there’s a chance asbestos is in it somewhere. Common hiding spots include:
- Old insulation (especially around pipes, furnaces, and attics)
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles (especially 9” x 9”)
- Textured ceilings (hello, popcorn ceilings)
- Siding and roofing materials
It’s not like it glows in the dark or anything—you can’t tell just by looking. That’s why testing is so important.
Should I Be Worried if I’m Not Doing Renovations?
If you’re not tearing anything up, and nothing is falling apart, you’re probably fine for now. Asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed. But it’s still smart to get your home checked—especially if you’re planning on doing any remodeling.
If you’re sanding, sawing, or breaking into walls that may contain asbestos? Stop right there. Call a pro before you start.
The Big Mistake: Ignoring the Warning Signs
Some people ignore potential asbestos issues because, well, “it’s probably nothing.” But here’s the deal: if you mess with asbestos materials without knowing what you’re doing, you could expose yourself and your family to serious harm.
And that dusty ceiling tile you’re pulling down with your bare hands? Yeah, that could be a health hazard.
What To Do If You Think You Have Asbestos in Your Home
- Don’t Touch It – Seriously. Don’t scrape it. Don’t sweep it. Don’t even look at it funny.
- Call a Professional for Testing – A certified asbestos inspector can safely test materials in your home.
- If Asbestos Is Found, Bring in the Pros – Removal and abatement must be done by trained, licensed professionals. This is not a DIY job.
- Seal Off the Area – If there’s damage and fibers might be in the air, keep people and pets out of the room until it’s cleaned up properly.
At ERX, we work with licensed asbestos abatement teams who know exactly how to deal with the problem safely and effectively.
What Happens During Asbestos Removal?
It’s a process, but a necessary one.
- The area is sealed off with special plastic sheeting and ventilation systems.
- Workers wear protective gear to avoid breathing in the fibers.
- Materials containing asbestos are carefully removed and bagged up.
- Air scrubbers and filters clean the air.
- A final inspection ensures all traces are gone before the area is safe to enter again.
Is Asbestos Removal Expensive?
It depends on how much you need removed, but yes, it can be pricey. However, it’s nothing compared to the cost of medical bills or losing your health. And if you’re doing renovations anyway, it’s better to find out now than during a demo.
If the asbestos is in good shape and not at risk of being disturbed, sometimes it can be encapsulated (sealed in place) rather than removed.
FAQs – Asbestos in Homes
Q: Can I test for asbestos myself?
A: You shouldn’t. Improper handling during testing can actually make the situation worse. Always use a certified professional.
Q: Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?
A: Yes—as long as it’s intact and not disturbed. The danger comes when the materials break down or get damaged.
Q: Can I remove asbestos myself?
A: No. It’s illegal in many areas, and extremely unsafe. Leave it to licensed professionals.
Q: Will insurance cover asbestos removal?
A: Some policies might cover it if it’s discovered due to a covered loss (like a pipe burst). Check with your insurance provider, and we can help with documentation.
Q: How do I know if I need asbestos testing?
A: If your home was built before 1985 and you’re doing renovations—or you notice damage to old tiles, insulation, or ceilings—it’s worth testing.
Need Help with Asbestos or Restoration Work? Call ERX.
At Emergency Restoration Xperts (ERX), we help homeowners deal with the scary stuff. Whether it’s damage cleanup, mold, fire recovery—or dealing with asbestos risks—we’ve got your back.
Don’t wait until a problem becomes a health crisis.
Call us today at (866) 217-7903 for more info or to schedule a home inspection. We’re here to make your home safer, smarter, and healthier—one step at a time.
