Asbestos isn’t always obvious. It was commonly used in construction materials up until the 1980s—and even later in some products. Knowing which materials may contain asbestos helps crews stay alert and avoid accidental exposure.
Why It Matters:
You can’t rely on sight alone to identify asbestos. Materials may appear safe but still contain dangerous fibers. Recognizing potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) is the first step to staying safe.
Key Points:
- Common materials that may contain asbestos include:
- Pipe insulation
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Ceiling tiles
- Roofing shingles and felt
- Joint compound and textured paints
- Cement board (Transite), siding, or ducts
- Age isn’t the only indicator. Even newer buildings might contain asbestos if materials were stockpiled or imported.
- Damaged or crumbling materials are especially dangerous.
- Only certified personnel should test or disturb materials suspected of containing asbestos.
- When in doubt, treat it as asbestos until proven otherwise through testing.
✅ Better safe than sorry — know what you’re working with before you cut, break, or remove anything.
Ask the Crew:
- What materials on our site could potentially contain asbestos?
- Have we had any of them tested or flagged in our hazard plan?
