Does Your Bathroom Contain Asbestos?

Does Your Bathroom Contain Asbestos?

Asbestos was first used in the United States in the early 1900s but wasn't extensively used until the 1940s. After World War II, public buildings and residential homes were built using asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, and this practice continued for the next thirty years.

In the construction industry, asbestos soon became the go-to material for everything. Consequently, homes built before or around the mid-1970s or even early 1980s contain this toxic mineral to various degrees and in many forms. Fortunately, asbestos doesn't pose a severe health risk if it's undisturbed.

However, many asbestos-containing materials become fragile and crumbly over time and may disintegrate even at the slightest disruption, releasing hazardous asbestos dust into the air. Asbestos particles are microscopic; therefore, they are invisible to the naked eye, and their size makes them easy to inhale or ingest. Once inside the body, they injure primarily the lungs but can also damage other major organs by reaching them through the blood. One of the most terrible aspects of asbestos-related diseases is the decades-long latency period from the initial exposure. This makes planning a bathroom remodel in an older home a potential asbestos exposure source for the family due to being one of the most frequented places where asbestos may still lurk in products for:

To avoid exposure, checking your bathroom for asbestos is advisable before taking action and tearing up old stuff. Asbestos-containing materials such as bath or splashback panels were a staple in bathrooms for protecting and insulating the wall behind the tub or shower. Bath panels were asbestos boards, sometimes covered with tiles, but often just painted over for a more accessible way to protect the bathroom walls. Some other products used in bathrooms that are most likely made with asbestos are:

You Should Be Sure About Asbestos Before You Begin a Project

No matter how small the planned bathroom renovation is, it's highly advisable to have samples tested by a professional and plan your next moves based on the results. Asbestos isn't something anyone wants to find in their homes. Still, if the house potentially contains this toxic material, homeowners should at least be aware of the danger and have it handled by a licensed professional.

Because no amount of asbestos exposure is safe, and nothing is more important than the health of loved ones, you should consider our DIY guide for handling asbestos products in your home before undertaking any remodeling project.

However, it is essential to note that even if you have asbestos-containing products?in your home, removal or abatement might be unnecessary, as products in good condition are usually safe for the habitants. To further ensure these product's condition, it is highly recommended to avoid disturbing them by:

  • using power tools
  • walking on corrugated roof sheets
  • using cutting or sanding discs
  • having asbestos products crushed or broken
  • using high-pressure hoses or compressed air
  • dusting or cleaning the area with dry clothes
  • letting children and pets enter the area
  • remodeling or renovation without protection in the area with asbestos products

Why Should I Test Products in My Home for Asbestos?

It is often impossible to tell whether asbestos is embedded in a material, as the fibers are too small to be observed with the naked eye. Exposure to asbestos is responsible for serious respiratory conditions, so thorough testing is required to ensure your home is asbestos-free.