Drywall or gypsum board itself will not typically contain asbestos (except some imported products), most commonly drywall mud or joint compound (DJC) can be asbestos containing. Drywall joint compound (DJC) may contain chrysotile (a type of asbestos), which is a soft form of asbestos but can lodge itself in the respiratory tract – see worksafebc site for the health effects of asbestos. 

Often white in colour with a fibrous appearance, asbestos containing duct tape usually contains high levels of asbestos and is dangerous (friable) to disturb. Generally, it’s thick compared to modern duct tape and simply peeling it off a surface can cause asbestos fibres to suspend in the air. If your home was constructed before 1990 and you can see white tape on the ductwork take caution and do not touch it(disturb it) without proper controls in place to prevent exposure. Sampling is not always required for this ACM as its homogenous characteristics make it easy to identify so please assume it contains asbestos if uncertain. Asbestos containing fibreboard was also commonly used around heat registers and electrical panels as a fire retardant and like duct tape is a thermal system insulator. 

Asbestos containing duct tape and fiberboard are high asbestos content materials that can be dangerous if disturbed. If left undisturbed the likelihood of contamination or inhalation is low. However, as years pass the condition of this material can be damaged or degrade to a point where it is falling off ductwork and potentially contaminating areas of your home. A source of asbestos fibers in your home HVAC system can spread asbestos fibers.

When many think of asbestos, the first building material that comes to mind is vinyl flooring. 9”x 9” and 12”x 12” flooring tiles were known to contain going back to the implementation of regulations in handling asbestos. It may appear simple for homeowners to do the vinyl flooring removal themselves but much preparation, strict procedures, specialized equipment, air testing, and stress often outweigh any cost savings. Always have a hazardous materials survey completed by a qualified person, and an accredited laboratory analyze all samples to detect any asbestos.

Textured coatings were a popular finishing technique from the 1920s through the 1980s. Various forms of ceiling textures and wall coverings like plaster as well as popcorn ceiling all fall under the textured surface category. Contractors had a more visually appealing veneer in mind when utilizing various ACM’s (asbestos containing materials) to complete the final touch. Asbestos was added to various textured coatings for both acoustic isolation and fireproofing. A hazardous materials survey is always crucial in determining the asbestos content and must be completed by a qualified person.

Pipe lagging, as it’s also known, utilized asbestos to both insulate and isolate piping as a temperature control measure. There are two main types of sheathing around the pipe with asbestos containing material (ACM) and a thick coating that’s applied by hand and must be scraped off in the pipe insulation removal process following high-risk asbestos abatement procedures. Both types fall under the category of thermal system insulators and were unknowingly used for years until the health effects of asbestos exposure became known.

Often used in structures to amplify sound in a room while isolating sound to the adjoining rooms. Over time they can degrade and crumble, any movement and the extreme friability of the ceiling tiles can cause disturbance. They are often moved around to access the piping, electrical or plenum above with neglect towards the exposure risk. Have a hazardous materials survey performed to determine content prior to disturbance or  removal of asbestos ceiling tiles.

Mastic is a sealing agent or glue used in construction practices to bond, isolate or waterproof two opposing surfaces. It comes in a variety of colours but is generally viscous and has a sticky, smooth texture. Some applications are: flooring adhesives, gap/crack sealants and asphalt bridging/repair. Asbestos was added to some mastic to increase the tensile strength and add fire resistance. Some construction mastics will degrade and become friable (can be crushed by hand pressure) while others will remain in the same condition for many years.

The brand name Transite sold asbestos containing siding that has a unique and distinctive appearance and texture. This cement-based product is very rigid and non-friable building material that was used from 1929 up until the 1980’s when it was phased out after the hazards of asbestos became apparent. The use of asbestos provided tensile strength and heat resistance, it was inexpensive and widely mined in places like Montana and Quebec. Modern Transite products do not contain any asbestos. Use qualified professionals to properly identify and remove asbestos siding these products.

Few would suspect that roofing materials are asbestos containing; past construction practices used asbestos roofing paper and roof vent mastics as a fire retardant. Up until recently there was little concern over disturbance of these materials given their location. However, an entire neighborhood can be contaminated in the removal process of these materials if proper controls are not in place. Sampling and analysis of roof vent mastics, roofing paper and roofing shingles is essential and required by WorkSafe BC before any work may commence on removal of roofing materials (for example shingles, roofing paper/felt, vent mastics, etc.

t was marketed as a thermal system insulator going back to the 1920’s. A popular brand of vermiculite was sold under the name Zonolite and resulted in a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer. Characterized by a brown/white appearance, which is shiny when exposed to light, vermic (as it is known in the abatement industry) is undisputedly friable (can be crushed by hand pressure). Most often found in attic spaces it provided better insulation value than shredded wood or horsehair insulation that was used in many turn of the century homes and up to 1960.