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Asbestos siding can be dangerous if disturbed because the material itself poses a health risk. Asbestos is one of the leading causes of lung cancer as it causes mesothelioma—an aggressive cancer. Asbestos can also cause irreversible damage to your lungs by creating a buildup of scar tissue, called asbestosis. It has a habit of making its way through even robust personal protective equipment (PPE), which is why it’s not recommended that you perform any asbestos work yourself.

Since the EPA partially banned asbestos use in 1989, it is not commonly used in siding in the United States. Many other countries, such as Iceland, Canada, and Denmark, also have bans on asbestos. However, asbestos siding is still present in homes built before the late 1980s. Remember, the only surefire way to know if your home or siding contains asbestos is to have it lab-tested by a professional. 

Asbestos encapsulation is an alternative to asbestos abatement or removal. Suppose you have hired an asbestos testing service and they recommend encapsulation. In that case, they will cover the asbestos with a protective barrier or put it in a sealed enclosure so the fibers cannot escape. Encapsulation usually costs between $2 and $6 per square foot.

If the tiles are undamaged and in good condition, painting can be a safe method of encapsulating them, but it is important first to evaluate the state of the tiles before proceeding. If the tiles are deteriorating, damaged, or already loose, simply painting over them fails to address the underlying issues that can cause asbestos exposure. It is recommended to consult asbestos abatement experts in such situations to identify the best way to safely manage or remove the asbestos-containing materials. During the painting process, it is crucial to adhere to safety regulations and guidelines to reduce the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure.