Following on from my recent post about the dangers of old linoleum, I thought I'd try to found out what other asbestos dangers are lurking in the average home - this is what I found:

# Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement.

# Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.

# Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.

# Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.

# Older products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.

# Walls and floors around woodburning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.

# Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.

# Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.

# Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

Worrying, isn't it! If you are concerned about asbestos in your home, the first thing to say is that you shouldn't panic. If the asbestos containing product is in good condition, just leave it alone - it is unlikely to release fibers.

Check material that you suspect contains asbestos regularly, looking for signs of wear or damage. Do not touch it. . Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. This is particularly true if it is often disturbed or subject to extreme flows of air.

If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed.

For detailed help and information, click on the link the US EPA below.

EPA