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Knob and tube wiring is an older type of electrical wiring that's no longer used and generally not considered safe. However, some homes still have it, or may have a knob and tube wiring system that was incorrectly modified or rigged to work with a modern electrical system. Knob and tube wiring may contain asbestos insulation, but the only way to know is to have the material professionally tested.

There are products that still contain asbestos, but they were typically installed decades ago. Common places where you may still find asbestos-containing materials are in siding, wrapped around ductwork, in older appliances (i.e., stove and gravity furnaces), and in floors. Asbestos was primarily used as an insulator, so anywhere in an older home where you lose heat is where you will most likely find asbestos.

Asbestos testing takes place in two stages—collection and lab testing. Collection can take less than 20 minutes if a professional manages to get a direct sample. If air samples are required, then the pro will set up a testing device and return to collect it. In both cases, the sample is sent to a lab and results are confirmed or denied usually within one to two days.

Unfortunately, asbestos is not easily identified and can often be hidden in plain sight in your home. While it can look like fluffy fibers, tiny pieces can also appear in materials like plastic or cement, making it impossible to identify on your own properly.

Plus, since asbestos is so dangerous when disturbed, you should never root around to try and find it. This job is best for a professional who can test for the material properly.