Dangerous Basement Issues

Asbestos

You may find asbestos in your basement in insulation that surrounds furnaces and ductwork, wood-burning stoves, steam pipes, or boilers. Asbestos also can be found in resilient flooring materials or in the adhesive used to bond flooring to the concrete slab. Homes built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos in the insulation. Homes constructed after 1980 probably don't contain asbestos products.

Asbestos in good condition usually releases no dangerous particles and is best left alone. If the material has tears, abrasions, or water damage, you may be exposed to its fibers, which, when inhaled, can cause lung cancer or other health problems.

If you have damaged material that you suspect contains asbestos, hire a professional to test it. Don't test it yourself; you can inadvertently release more fibers. If the material contains asbestos, it must be professionally sealed, covered, or removed. Removal is not always the best option because of the risk of releasing more fibers.

Contact the federal Environmental Protection Agency office in your area to find a licensed asbestos testing and removal agent.