Asbestos was once hailed as a miracle material for its fire resistance, strength, and insulating properties. But today, we know it poses serious health risks when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled, leading to diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Many commercial, industrial, and even residential buildings constructed before the 1990s still contain asbestos materials. Knowing how to spot potential asbestos is the first step to protecting your health, your team, and your property’s future.
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found
While only professional testing can confirm asbestos, here are common places it may hide:
Roofing & Ceiling Materials: Corrugated asbestos cement sheets, ceiling tiles, and sprayed-on insulation were frequently used for fireproofing and noise reduction.
Insulation: Boiler, pipe, duct, and tank insulation in older buildings often contain asbestos lagging or wraps.
Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles and their adhesives sometimes include asbestos for added strength.
Walls & Partitions: Asbestos cement boards and panels were used for internal walls and fireproof partitions.
Textured Coatings & Paints: Decorative “popcorn” ceilings or textured wall finishes in older properties can contain asbestos.
Other Materials: Gutters, downpipes, water tanks, and certain sealants or mastics can also contain asbestos.
Signs That Asbestos May Be Present
Age of the Building: If your building was constructed or renovated before the late 1980s, it’s more likely to contain asbestos.
Visible Warning Labels: Some asbestos materials were labeled, especially in industrial settings.
Deterioration or Damage: Crumbling, cracking, or fraying insulation and cement sheets could release asbestos fibres.
Unusual Textured Finishes: Rough, spiked, or “cottage cheese” ceiling textures in older buildings often used asbestos.
What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos
Do Not Disturb It: Avoid drilling, cutting, sanding, or scraping suspect materials, as this can release dangerous fibres.
Contact Professionals: Reach out to accredited asbestos specialists like William Scott to inspect, sample, and, if necessary, safely remove asbestos-containing materials.
Keep Records: If asbestos is found, maintain a clear asbestos register and management plan to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Trust William Scott for Safe Asbestos Solutions
With over 75 years of experience, William Scott is your trusted partner for safe, certified asbestos identification and removal. We follow strict health and safety standards, use modern equipment, and ensure full regulatory compliance to protect everyone on your site.
Contact William Scott today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our asbestos services.
