Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Identify potential asbestos materials
• Method 2 of 3: Search for identifiers
• Method 3 of 3: Ask an expert for an analysis
• Tips
• Warnings

Before the dangers of asbestos were widely known, it was widely used as a building material in residential and commercial buildings. Although the health risks of asbestos fiber are now known, it can still be found in many buildings. Asbestos consists of microscopic fibers that cannot be seen with the naked eye. To identify it, you need to know what materials to research, look for manufacturer labels and consult experts when in doubt.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Identify potential asbestos materials

1. Check the product name and date. Look for the manufacturer's name and / or product name on the insulation material and check the internet to see if it contains asbestos. The construction date of a building can also tell you a lot about the asbestos risk. Buildings constructed between the 1940s and 1980s are very likely to still contain asbestos. In the 1980s, the use of asbestos declined, but it was not abolished all at once. Some buildings from that time can therefore still contain materials containing asbestos. A building built after 1995 is almost certainly free of asbestos.
2. Look for aluminum or plastic strips. On the outside of buildings, asbestos plates were often connected to each other by means of aluminum strips. These strips were held in place by small, headless nails. On the inside of a building, the asbestos plates were attached to each other in the same way, but often with plastic or wooden strips. When you see these strips, it could be because of the presence of asbestos. You should also check any type of glue that was used to join two materials, as it often also contained asbestos.
3. Analyze the patterns on the surface. Asbestos materials often have a surface pattern that looks like small dimples or shallow craters covering the entire surface. Later materials have a smoother texture. While not a foolproof identification, seeing a dimple pattern on the surface warrants taking precautions against asbestos.
4. Inspect exterior building materials. Asbestos has been used to make various outdoor materials. Roofing and wall panels are among the most common materials that contain asbestos and will easily spread fibers in the air if they break. Asbestos was also mixed with the cement that was applied to the outside of buildings as insulation material.
   • Most older cement board products contain asbestos. This type of material looks like thin concrete with fibers running through it and was used, for example, as corrugated iron roofing and facade panels.
5. Examine the interior panels in your home or workplace. Floors, walls and ceilings are often made of materials containing asbestos. Note an oily look from floor tiles, which indicates that they are made of asbestos bonded with asphalt. Vinyl tiles and decorative wall plaster also often contain asbestos.
   • Before it became known to be dangerous, blown-in asbestos was sometimes used for ceiling tiles and in ceilings over plasterboard. This type of asbestos is gray or off-white in color, with fibers in it.
6. Check devices and finishing material. In addition to the usual building materials, asbestos was also used for a number of other functions. These can be found in any system in a home or building. Some examples of this are:
   • Insulation material
   • Tubes
   • Flues
   • Canopies
   • Fireproof materials (doors, cabinets, etc.)
   • Eaves
   • Subfloors
   • Sealing material
   • Putty
   • Pipes around (looks like several layers of paper wrapped around the pipe)
7. Look at the location. Asbestos is a very strong, durable material. It is not sensitive to water like many other materials are. For that reason, asbestos was often used in places like bathrooms and basements to prevent water damage.

Method 2 of 3: Search for identifiers

1. Identify the shape. Asbestos was produced in many different shapes and sizes to fulfill different functions. For example, large asbestos sheets were used as wall coverings and there were asbestos sheets that served as roof tiles. Each type of upholstery has a different place where you can possibly find the information from the manufacturer. This information sometimes makes it clear whether the material contains asbestos or not.
2. Check if you see a letter code somewhere. Once you've identified the material, see if you can find an information code that the manufacturer has stamped or printed somewhere. When you find these, look for a material code - such as AC (contains asbestos) or NT (contains no asbestos). Not all asbestos materials will have this information.
3. Find additional codes. Some manufacturers used different codes at different times. If you can find codes or markings on the material, try looking up the meaning. Sometimes you can find the meaning of the code and determine the asbestos content. Other times, no information about the code is provided.

Method 3 of 3: Ask an expert for an analysis

1. Consult someone experienced in identifying asbestos. If you are unsure, assume the material is asbestos. If you really want to be sure, hire an expert who is specially qualified to identify asbestos. This can be an experienced contractor or, for example, a building inspector. These experts can be found on the internet.
2. Have a professional take a sample. Do not try to take a sample yourself, as you could expose yourself (and others in your area) to asbestos. Have a qualified professional take the sample as they have the necessary personal protective equipment and tools to get the job done. For example, they may need to wear overalls, gloves and a face mask before breaking off some of the material and placing it in a sealed container. They usually use a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner (HEPA) to trap the tiny dust particles and clean the environment.
   • The professional will also dispose of used items and waste from the HEPA vacuum cleaner according to the regulations of the area where you live.
   • A lab test can tell you with certainty whether a material contains asbestos or not.
3. Send the sample to a certified laboratory. Or bring it to a certified laboratory yourself. If there is one near you, you can drive there and drop the monster there. If you must send it by mail, follow all legal guidelines for sending asbestos. The lab will identify the material and contact you about it.

Tips

• The removal of asbestos may not be carried out by persons without a permit; ask for help from a licensed asbestos removal expert.

Warnings

• Make sure you take proper precautions and wear rubber gloves, a face mask and clothes that cover your entire body.
• Assume any material you are unsure of in principle contains asbestos and take appropriate precautions.