Asbestos FAQ

Asbestos refers to a set of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals, found in rock formations around the world. Because asbestos fibres are strong, durable and non-combustible, they were widely used by industry, mainly in construction and friction materials up until about the late 70s.

Although asbestos fibers are microscopic in nature, they are extremely durable and resistant to fire and most chemical reactions and breakdowns.

Asbestos poses health risks when fibres are released into the air.

When inhaled in significant quantities, asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis (a scarring of the lungs which makes breathing difficult), mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity) and lung cancer. The link between exposure to asbestos and other types of cancers is less clear.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of people were exposed to asbestos in some capacity as a result of the mineral’s extensive use in domestic, commercial, and industrial products. There is no safe type of asbestos and no safe level of exposure. Nearly all those with exposure history are potentially at risk of serious respiratory health complications.

Asbestos was used widely in home and building construction materials up until the early 80s – most commonly in insulation, floor and ceiling tiles and textured paints. Asbestos can be found both indoors and out; from roofs to surrounding soil.

*Asbestos cannot be seen. To know if you have asbestos in or around your home or business, exposed material must be tested in a laboratory*

Asbestos has been used on at least 3000 products ranging from brake linings to ironing board covers and children’s toys. Asbestos was widely used from World War II to the early seventies as fire-proofing on ceilings and beams, as insulation on boilers and pipes, sprayed inside ventilation systems and cavities, on automobile and truck clutches and brake linings and it was added to sprayed-on wall coatings.

Loose fill insulation between walls (vermiculite)

Textured paints on ceilings & walls

Residential & industrial roof shingles, tiles & felt

Vinyl floor tiles

Transite board used in siding, house shingles & insulation (interior & exterior)

Textiles including fire blankets, oven mitts and various industrial materials

Plaster & joint compound from the late 1920s to late 1980s

Pipe, furnace & electrical coverings & insulation

Around HVAC ducts