Asbestos used during construction in the mid 20th century has been linked to diseases like Mesothelioma.
Asbestos was widely used in home construction until the 1970s when the substance was positively identified as a major health risk by the government. Construction materials that used asbestos were used both inside and outside of the home. Its use was at a peak during the 1950s, and estimates claim that as many as half of the multi-storied buildings constructed from the 50s through 70s have some sort of sprayed-on material that contains asbestos. Identifying ceiling tiles that contain asbestos cannot be done solely on sight alone. However, using age and a few additional tips and tests, the composition of the tiles can be identified.
Instructions
Identifying Suspect Ceiling Tiles
1. Research the building history. Buildings constructed after the mid 1970s are unlikely to contain asbestos ceiling tiles.
2. Put on protective gear. Asbestos is a toxic substance that is easily inhaled and should not be allowed to come into contact with the skin. Be sure to cover all exposed areas as much as possible.
3. Identify ceiling tiles that may contain asbestos. Tiles that were hung during the late 1940s and later that are approximately one square foot and have an off-white, yellowish, or light gray color and have a fairly solid or evenly perforated surface are the most likely to contain asbestos.
4. Avoid touching, scraping, cutting or otherwise disturbing the suspect tiles. Doing so may release asbestos into the air and put people at risk of exposure.
5. Turn off any heating or cooling systems that run through the area in question.
6. Limit access to the area and contact the EPA for a list of certified asbestos inspectors in your area.
7. Make an appointment for a professional inspector to visit the site and perform the proper tests to determine whether or not the ceiling tiles .
Tags: contain asbestos, ceiling tiles, Ceiling Tiles, ceiling tiles that, that contain