Different Places You Wouldn’t Expect To Find Asbestos

Elyse Aufmann • September 29, 2021

Different Places You Wouldn’t Expect To Find Asbestos

As surprising as it seems, asbestos is still a common substance used in building materials in the United States. However, you might think we already learned our lesson about using it. The truth is, we haven’t learned, and asbestos is still a problem. Even if you believe you’re safe from asbestos, it’s still hanging around without us realizing it and causing us health problems later in life. Here’s a list of the different places you wouldn’t expect to find asbestos.

Churches

The use of asbestos inside of churches was to help prevent fires and to soundproof rooms. You might think that there’s no correlation between soundproofing and asbestos, but there is. Church maintenance workers added asbestos around acoustic panels so voices and music wouldn’t reverberate. For example, if someone played the organ in a church, the walls would prevent the noise from traveling outside.

So, to help exterminate your asbestos problem, hire a professional inspector to look over pipes and walls. They can determine if you have asbestos and help you remove it.

Schools

It’s well known that schools built before 1980 are riddled with asbestos or have products containing it. Even though the US government passed a bill in 1986 to protect students and school employees from asbestos, it still lingers in pipes, ceilings, and asbestos fibers.

Asbestos is commonly wrapped around pipes and boilers, inside vinyl flooring, ceiling tiles, and even HVAC ductwork. Asbestos is so prevalent that spotting the fibers in the air can be challenging if you remove it yourself.

Public Buildings

If a building was built any time before 1980, it would have an asbestos lining between the walls and floor tiles. Contractors continue to create new structures with asbestos material, vinyl tiles, and cement piping. Some buildings containing asbestos include restaurants, barbershops, grocery stores, and even airports.

If you believe there’s asbestos in your building or workplace, the federal government requires owners to remove the material properly using professional asbestos removal services. Removing asbestos material from a public building through Air Safe, Inc. not only saves workers and consumers from health problems but could also be the highlight of your career.

Hospitals

Hospitals used to openly use asbestos to prevent fires. They’d also use it to prevent medical equipment from overheating. When maintenance workers encounter asbestos-filled equipment, they’re incredibly vulnerable since they fix the equipment and remove it before demolishing the infested building.

As you begin to discover the different places you wouldn’t expect to find asbestos, you might suspect you have it in your home. In that case, give Air Safe, Inc. a call to help remove the harmful material from your home or public building. To help create a more sustainable, asbestos-free future, we need to do our part in carefully removing asbestos from buildings.
A close-up of thick sections of crusty housing materials overlapping, covered with dusty asbestos.
July 29, 2025
Learn about common causes of vermiculite insulation damage and why professional assessment and intervention are essential for safety and energy efficiency.
A close-up of a hand wearing a blue glove and holding a pair of tweezers and a pinch of asbestos.
July 14, 2025
Learn what to expect during asbestos testing, from assessment to lab results. Ensure safety with certified procedures and detailed reporting.
A technician has a tool in his hands and is reaching upwards within a large AC unit on the ceiling.
June 16, 2025
Learn five reasons older AC units may contain asbestos and the health risks involved. Take steps to identify potential hazards and stay protected.
A close-up of the fabric pleats of a clean HEPA filter. A person's finger is pulling back the pleats
June 5, 2025
HEPA filters ensure safe vermiculite removal by trapping asbestos fibers, protecting health, and keeping your home environment clean and safe.
A construction worker is standing back to evaluate a block of vacant houses lined with equipment.
May 22, 2025
Learn why inspecting for asbestos before demolition is critical to safety, health, and compliance. Protect lives, meet regulations, and avoid costly delays.
Asbestos Concerns: How Long Does Asbestos Stay in the Air?
May 13, 2025
Read here to learn how long asbestos fibers linger in the air and why professional testing and abatement are essential to keep your home safe.
A close-up view of four ceiling tiles with space in between each tile. The tiles have small dots on
April 4, 2025
Knowing the characteristics of asbestos ceiling tiles helps homeowners make informed decisions about home maintenance and future renovations.
The roof of a building with the insulation torn out. Broken pieces of insulation cover the floor.
March 24, 2025
Homeowners should protect their living spaces by removing harmful materials. This guide takes a close look at the cost of vermiculite removal.
4 Ways To Check for Asbestos Before Remodeling
March 17, 2025
Does the thought of asbestos exposure in your home make you feel queasy? The following guide highlights 4 ways to check for asbestos before remodeling.
Two people wearing white hazmat suits, masks, and orange gloves remove the carpeting from a home.
February 26, 2025
Addressing any asbestos exposure in your home can help you enjoy a healthier living environment. Here are 5 reasons to hire an asbestos removal company.