Asbestos Was Commonly Used in Construction ​

from the 1950s to the 1990s​

where you may find asbestos in your home

Where Asbestos May Be FoundAsbestos is often difficult to identify because it’s commonly mixed with other materials. However, if your building was constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, there's a high chance that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be present in some form.
Common Materials That May Contain Asbestos
  • Spray-applied fireproofing
  • Mechanical pipe and duct insulation
  • Vinyl linoleum flooring
  • Floor tiles and adhesives
  • Fibre cement cladding and roofing
  • Textured decorative coatings (e.g. “popcorn” ceilings)
  • Asbestos cement pipes
  • Electrical switchboards (backing boards)
Note: The presence of these materials doesn’t automatically pose a health risk--asbestos is dangerous only when it is disturbed and fibres become airborne. If in doubt, contact a licensed asbestos assessor for sampling and analysis.

​Why Is Asbestos Classified as a Hazardous Material?

Health Risks of Asbestos ExposureAsbestos is composed of microscopic fibres that can easily become airborne when disturbed. Once inhaled, these sharp, durable fibres embed themselves in the lungs and respiratory tract, where they can remain for years. Over time, this exposure can lead to serious and often fatal health conditions.
Major Health Risks Associated with Asbestos:MesotheliomaA rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelium—the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
  • Cause: Prolonged asbestos exposure is the only medically confirmed cause of mesothelioma.
  • Latency: Symptoms may take 20–50 years to appear.
Lung CancerAsbestos-related lung cancer presents similarly to cancer caused by smoking or other airborne toxins.
  • Risk: The risk increases significantly with combined exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoke.
  • Progression: Often diagnosed at advanced stages due to delayed symptom onset.
AsbestosisA chronic and progressive lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres.
  • Effect: Fibres cause scarring of lung tissue (fibrosis), reducing lung function over time.
  • Symptoms: Include shortness of breath, persistent cough, and chest tightness.
  • Note: Asbestosis can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Important: There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. If you suspect materials in your home or workplace may contain asbestos, always consult a licensed professional before disturbing them.
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