Still a Surprising Places Asbestos Can Be Found (And What To Do About It)

You Might Be Living or Working Around Asbestos Without Knowing

Asbestos isn’t always obvious. In fact, one of the biggest dangers is how easily it can go unnoticed. Many materials that look completely harmless can contain asbestos, especially in buildings constructed before 2000.

While most people know about asbestos in roofs or insulation, there are many unexpected places it can still be found.

Surprising Places Asbestos Is Found

1. Textured Ceilings and Wall Coatings

   Decorative finishes like Artex were widely used and often contain asbestos. Sanding or scraping these surfaces can release fibres.

2. Behind Walls and Inside Cupboards

   Asbestos insulation board is commonly hidden behind partitions, in airing cupboards, or around fireplaces.

3. Floor Tiles and Adhesives

   Older vinyl tiles and the adhesives beneath them frequently contain asbestos — especially in kitchens and hallways.

4. Garage and Shed Roofs

   Corrugated cement roofing is one of the most common asbestos materials found in domestic properties.

5. Pipe Boxing and Boiler Areas

   Asbestos was often used to insulate pipes and heating systems, particularly in older homes and commercial buildings.

6. Offices, Schools, and Public Buildings

   Asbestos isn’t just a domestic issue — it is still present in many workplaces, schools, and public facilities.

7. Why You Can’t Always Spot Asbestos

   Asbestos cannot be identified just by looking at it. It has:

   • No smell
   • No visible fibres to the naked eye
   • No immediate health symptoms after exposure

This is why professional surveys are essential guessing is not safe.

What To Do If You Find or Suspect Asbestos

If you come across a material you think may contain asbestos:

• Stop work immediately
• Do not disturb the material
• Keep people away from the area
• Do not clean, sweep, or vacuum

Even simple actions like drilling or breaking a panel can release fibres into the air.

Do Not Attempt DIY Removal

DIY asbestos removal is one of the biggest causes of accidental exposure. Even minor disturbance can release fibres that remain in the air and on surfaces.

Professional Asbestos Removal

Professional asbestos removal involves:

• Controlled environments
• Specialist protective equipment
• Safe waste disposal
• Air testing and clearance

The Safe Next Step

If you’re unsure, don’t take risks. Call ICEASBESTOS to inspect, manage, or safely remove the material

Whether it’s in your home, workplace, or a public building, professional handling ensures:

• Safety
• Legal compliance
• Peace of mind

Final Thought

Asbestos is often hidden in plain sight. The safest approach is always to assume materials could contain asbestos and let professionals confirm and deal with it properly.