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Asbestos can be found in many building materials, especially if the materials were installed more than 20 years ago. Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) can include:

• Acoustic ceiling tiles

• Furnace insulation

• Home appliances

• Fire-retardant clothing

• Cement pipe

• Pipe insulation

• Wall and ceiling insulation

• Vehicle brake pads

• Vinyl flooring

• Sprayed acoustic ceilings

• Stove insulation

• Patching compounds

• Textured paints

• Roofing shingles

• Siding

Asbestos-containing materials are not easily affected by water and do not disintegrate or dissolve when exposed to it. However, porous materials can deteriorate due to water exposure, leading to the release of asbestos fibers into the air. The settling of asbestos fibers can also occur as water makes them heavy, which reduces the risk of airborne exposure, though future disturbance of the materials could cause risk. Wetting asbestos-containing materials does not constitute safe removal, and the proper handling and disposal of asbestos materials should be left to professionals.

If you have an older electrical system with fraying wires and other signs of damage, removal  may be the best course of action. When asbestos begins to break down, it's more likely to become airborne, increasing the risk of health issues when it's inhaled.

However, if the system is in good condition and doesn't have visible signs of wear or damage, leaving it alone may be the safest course of action. An asbestos abatement and removal professional can help you determine the best way to proceed.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of asbestos pipe insulation in certain applications in 1975. It released further bans in 1989 and 2019. While asbestos pipe insulation was common from the 1930s to 1970s, its use fell off after the 1970s due to public concern and the EPA's actions.