Identifying Asbestos in Residential Buildings
If your home was built before 1980, asbestos may be present in insulation, flooring, ceiling materials, and exterior siding. According to NIOSH, nearly 30 million homes in the U.S. still contain asbestos (source: NIOSH).
Signs Your Home May Contain Asbestos
- Home Age & Materials
- Homes built between 1930 and 1980 are highly likely to contain asbestos in construction materials. Asbestos was commonly used in roofing, flooring, insulation, drywall, and adhesives due to its fire-resistant properties.
- If your home has original popcorn ceilings, vinyl tiles, or pipe insulation, these materials should be tested for asbestos before any renovations are performed.
- Many older Chicago homes, particularly in historic districts, were built with materials that may contain asbestos, making professional inspection crucial before remodeling or demolition.
- Visible Warning Signs
- Deteriorating materials, such as cracked floor tiles, crumbling drywall, or flaking ceiling texture, can indicate the presence of asbestos.
- Discolored or fraying insulation around pipes, ductwork, or boilers could contain asbestos fibers that may become airborne if disturbed.
- If you notice unusually high dust levels when disturbing certain areas of your home, such as attics, basements, or ceilings, it could be a sign of asbestos-containing materials breaking down.
- Older cement roofing and siding often contain asbestos, and exposure occurs when these materials are cut, drilled, or broken apart.
- Professional Testing
- Asbestos fibers are microscopic, meaning they cannot be detected with the naked eye. The only definitive way to confirm asbestos presence is through laboratory testing.
- A licensed asbestos inspector will take air and material samples from suspected areas and send them to a certified laboratory for analysis.
- DIY asbestos testing kits are available but may not provide accurate results if samples are not handled properly. Professional testing ensures the safety of homeowners and compliance with Chicago Department of Public Health regulations.
- Illinois law requires proper asbestos inspections before any demolition or major renovation project in older buildings. Failure to do so can result in fines or exposure risks.
- Air Quality Concerns
- Asbestos exposure occurs when fibers become airborne and are inhaled, leading to severe respiratory illnesses over time. If you or your family members experience persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, it may indicate asbestos-related lung conditions.
- A professional asbestos air quality test can determine if harmful fiber levels are present inside your home.
- Even minor disturbances, such as drilling into drywall or removing old carpeting, can release asbestos fibers into the air, making professional assessment essential before starting home improvement projects.
- Legal & Safety Considerations
- In Chicago, property owners are required to follow strict asbestos removal and disposal guidelines to ensure public safety.
- If asbestos is found in your home, attempting to remove it yourself is illegal and highly dangerous. Only licensed asbestos abatement contractors like EHC Industries should handle its removal.
- The EPA and OSHA impose fines and penalties for improper asbestos handling, disposal, and failure to comply with federal and state regulations.
- If you’re planning to sell an older home, asbestos disclosures may be required under Illinois real estate laws, making early detection and professional handling even more crucial.
What Should You Do If Your Home Contains Asbestos?
If asbestos is suspected in your home, do not attempt to disturb or remove it yourself. Instead, follow these steps:
- Contact a certified asbestos inspector to conduct a professional evaluation and testing.
- Seal off and avoid disturbing any suspected asbestos materials until professionals can assess the risk.
- Hire a licensed asbestos removal company like EHC Industries to ensure safe abatement, proper disposal, and full compliance with Chicago’s environmental regulations.
For expert asbestos inspection and safe removal in the Chicago area, contact EHC Industries today to schedule a consultation and protect your home from potential exposure risks.
