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Asbestos has many beneficial properties, including fire resistance, strength, and chemical resistance. It is also an excellent insulator, which is why it was used in pipe insulation and other building materials for decades. For all its benefits, asbestos is dangerous for human health, which is why it was eventually banned from use in certain products.

If your home was built before 1989 and still has original vinyl, there’s a high probability of asbestos mixed into the old flooring, which can harm you and your family if it’s disturbed from removal. If you suspect that you have asbestos, you’ll want to call in an asbestos removal expert to evaluate the situation.

Bathroom tiles can contain asbestos, just the same as patio tiles or kitchen tiles. Remember that asbestos was used primarily for its insulative and fire-resistant properties, both of which are desired in a house. Before we knew asbestos caused cancers and other diseases, it made a lot of sense to include it in many different building materials, including bathroom tiles.

Whether or not to buy a home containing asbestos is ultimately a decision for the homebuyer, and there are several things to consider. When in good condition and contained, asbestos is unlikely to present a health risk—it’s when those tiny fibers are loose and airborne that they become a problem. Consider any renovations you plan on doing to the home that could disturb existing asbestos and the cost of removal. If an inspection finds asbestos in a home on the market, you could negotiate with the seller for a lower price, though this isn’t a sure thing.