Over the last few decades, asbestos has gained a fearsome reputation: the mere mention of the word is enough to make people anxious about what is lurking in the walls around them.
This is due to the health impacts associated with asbestos. Inhalation of its tiny fibers results in them getting caught in lung tissue, causing scarring, pleural disease and various cancers. In fact, up to 15,000 people die every year in the US from asbestos-related diseases.
Up until the 1980’s, asbestos was commonly used in the manufacture of exterior and interior building materials such as paints, insulation, cement, and vinyl floor tiles and wallpaper. After health risks came to light, asbestos was banned in many countries, however it is still imported into the US for use in various products.
Any structure built before 1980 is likely to contain asbestos, so it’s worth checking your home. We’ve put together this guide to help you identify any signs of asbestos in your wallpaper: it’s better to be safe than sorry!
How do I check if there is asbestos in my wallpaper?
Vinyl wallpaper is one of the earliest vinyl products to have contained asbestos. It is favored for its easy-clean and water-proof nature, protecting the walls from moisture damage. If your house was built before 1980, there is a chance that your wallpaper contains asbestos.
Unfortunately, asbestos is very difficult to identify by eye. Although there are various types of ‘white’, ‘blue’ and ‘brown’ asbestos, these terms refer to the color of the fibers, which are microscopic and not visible. This means we must rely on other indicators.
1. Is it made of vinyl?
First, check the type of wallpaper. If it has a vinyl, plastic coating with a paper-like fiber backing, then it may have been made with asbestos.
2. Check the label
The manufacturing label will tell you a lot more information about the product, such as where it comes from and what it’s made of. Even if there is no information, those made between 1930 and 1980 may contain asbestos.
3. Who made it?
The label should also give you the brand name – which you can research online to see whether they contain asbestos. Companies associated with asbestos vinyl products include American Biltrite; Congoleum Corporation; Goodyear; Montgomery Ward; and Sears-Roebuck. If you can’t identify the specific name of the brand, this is another red flag that asbestos may have been used.
4. Is it peeling?
Another sign that asbestos may be present is if it curls away from the wall in the upper corners. In good condition, the asbestos is unlikely to be dangerous as it is enclosed by vinyl, but once it begins to degrade the small fibers will enter the air.
What should I do if I suspect there is asbestos?
The presence of asbestos can only be confirmed through analyzing a sample at a laboratory. If you suspect your wallpaper to contain asbestos, the easiest and safest way to remove it is to call an expert.
Any wallpaper removal must be done extremely carefully to ensure that the fibers do not escape. MKM Environmental Consultants are highly trained experts, and we will leave your house safe and clear of dangerous microfibers so that you can breathe easy.