Asbestos was once widely used in building materials because of its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and fire. It was also cheap and readily available. As a result, asbestos can be found in a variety of building materials, including:

• Insulation
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Roofing materials
• Siding
• Joint compound
• Pipe insulation

While asbestos is safe when it is intact and undisturbed, it can become a health hazard when it is damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed. This can happen during renovations or remodeling, when the material is exposed to air and the fibers become airborne. When inhaled, these fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.

That's why it's important to have a survey conducted of your building if you suspect that asbestos might be present. An asbestos survey will identify any materials that contain asbestos, as well as their location and condition.