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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.

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.

You can cover asbestos siding with another type of siding, such as vinyl, however, this may not be the best option. Covering the asbestos siding may disturb it, releasing fibers into the air. The covered siding can also be disturbed at a later date, such as by a new homeowner who is unaware of its presence.

If you decide to cover the siding, be sure to work with a professional and follow any local building codes and requirements. It may be the case that removing the asbestos siding is the better option, rather than covering it over. 

The four types of hazardous waste are toxic, corrosive, flammable, and reactive. These four types fall under the EPA’s designation of characteristic hazardous waste. The EPA also categorizes hazardous wastes as listed, which includes specific byproducts or unused chemicals from manufacturing and industrial processes, universal waste, including bulbs, mercury, pesticides, batteries, and various other common substances, and mixed waste containing radioactive material.