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The microscopic asbestos fibers do not cause eye irritation, throat irritation, or lung irritation. If you are inhaling fibers, you will not know it. This lack of immediate symptoms is one of the reasons why asbestos is so dangerous. You cannot know for certain if you are inhaling fibers, which is why you must wear safety gear if you could have any chance of an exposure while working.

Unlike some home problems, such as water damage or pest infestations, asbestos can be very difficult to spot. Asbestos is a mineral in the form of microscopic fibers and was previously used in building materials for its bonding and fireproofing abilities. Insulation, roof shingles, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe wrappings, soundproofing materials, and textured paint features like popcorn ceilings are common sources of asbestos, particularly in homes built before 1980.

Age is perhaps the biggest indicator of asbestos, as legislation passed in the 1970s labeled asbestos as dangerous and regulated its use in building materials. Signs of age in the form of wear and tear or material degradation are also indicators that asbestos fibers may be leaking into the air, but ultimately, it’s difficult to detect with the naked eye. If you have reason to suspect asbestos in your home, it’s best to hire a certified asbestos inspector.

No, but it’s common that they do. Gravity furnaces weren’t terribly efficient so wrapping either the ductwork in asbestos, the furnace itself, or both, was something done regularly. This allowed the system to retain more heat. At the time, this greatly enhanced the efficiency of the furnaces but it wasn’t until later that we became aware of just how carcinogenic and dangerous asbestos could be.

Although the use of asbestos has declined since the 1980s, it remains in several different types of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. Typically, asbestos can be found in materials such as ceiling and floor tiles, heat-resistant fabrics and coatings, and roof shingles. You may also find asbestos in textured paint and patching compounds.