How can I identify abestos materials inside old houses?

Question

Please any pictures URL linked.

because of high rate of lung cancer,

I just wonder is it possible these abestos materials still left behind in the old houses pre-1990? or does new constructions still have abestos accidently?

Answer 1

New construction is very unlikely to have asbestos 'accidently' as most products which used it were phased out. Old houses (over 25 years old, say) certainly do carry the risk. Asbestos in its heyday was used in over 3000 products - any sitation where rotproof or fire resisitng properties were required may inlclude it. Commerical properties have to have asbsetos registers and it is amazing when you see what asbestos could be used for.

You can usually tell by looking - but products like cementitious board look similar, as does stuff like Artex, pipe lagging and so on. The best way is to have anything your are not sure about tested and if necessary removed, and take care not to create any dust from anything you are not sure about.

You are at risk of contracting mesothilioma, depending on the amount and intensity of exposure to asbestos fibres, so you are right to be concerned (but not paranoid).

Answer 2

Call a professional service in your area.  Look in your local yellowpages for homeinspectors, or call a contractor which will guide you in the right direction.