What Materials Can Contain Asbestos?

Many older building products can contain asbestos, especially in properties built or renovated before asbestos-containing materials were phased out of common use.

If your project involves a specific material, start with asbestos testing, floor tile and mastic testing, or popcorn ceiling testing.

Common suspect materials

Examples include vinyl floor tile, black mastic, sheet flooring backing, popcorn ceiling texture, pipe insulation, boiler insulation, duct wrap, plaster, drywall joint compound, siding, roofing felt, transite panels, ceiling tile, and old cement-like boards.

Appearance is not enough

A material cannot be confirmed as asbestos-containing just by looking at it. Testing or professional review is the way to reduce guessing before disturbance.

When to be careful

Be careful before sanding, scraping, cutting, drilling, grinding, demolishing, or removing older materials. Disturbance can change a manageable material into a cleanup problem.

Need help with a specific material?

If you are planning work in Davenport or the Quad Cities and are not sure whether testing is needed, use the quote form on the contact page or start with the core asbestos testing page.