Understanding Asbestos: What You Need to Know!

What is Asbestos?



Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that forms into fibrous rock. These fibrous structures are made up of tiny mineral fibers, which, when left undisturbed, are harmless. However, when asbestos is disturbed, the fibers are released into the air and can be inhaled. This poses serious health risks, including cancer. There are six types of asbestos: amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite.

The History of Asbestos Use in Homes and Businesses

Asbestos has been used in insulation since as early as 1866, but it wasn’t until the 1870s that it became commercially available. Over the next century, asbestos found its way into a wide range of products—from floor tiles and roof shingles to duct wrappings, fire blankets, and even glue. Despite its widespread use, the first confirmed and acknowledged cases of asbestos-related cancer were not documented until 1939. It took another 50 years for asbestos to be banned in the United States, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issuing a formal ban on July 12, 1989.

How to Identify Asbestos in Your Home?

Given the variety of products that contain asbestos, it can be difficult to identify. However, there are some common items where asbestos is frequently found:

  • 9x9 Floor Tiles: While not every 9x9 tile contains asbestos, it is common for them to be made from it. Most estimate that 99% of 9x9 tiles from this era contain asbestos.


  • Pipe or Duct Work Wrap: Asbestos was often used to insulate heating ducts and pipes. This insulation, given its age, will typically resemble old, white, flaky paper mache or cardboard.


  • Pipe Tape: Asbestos tape, commonly used to seal duct joints, often appears as a mix of cloth and plaster, appearing white or gray in color.


  • Transite Boards: These boards, made from asbestos mixed with cement, were an early version of sheetrock. Damaging or breaking transite boards can release asbestos fibers into the air.


  • Vermiculite Attic Insulation: Commonly used in older homes, vermiculite insulation resembles cat litter or small gravel of a silverish color. Disturbing it can disperse asbestos fibers into the air.



  • Linoleum: Linoleum manufactured between the 1870s and 1970s often contained asbestos, as did the glue used to install it. Attempting to remove this linoleum without proper precautions can break the material and release harmful fibers.


What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home?

If your home or business was built between the 1870s and the 1970s, it’s likely that asbestos materials were used in its construction. If you suspect that an item in your home contains asbestos, do not touch it! Instead, contact a local asbestos removal expert for an inspection. If you're in Connecticut, you can reach out to AMA Environmental LLC by calling 860-926-4476 for a free estimate, or go to amaenvironmental.com for more info!

Taking steps to address asbestos can protect your health and ensure a safe living environment!

Go Back to the Blog!