Legally Reviewed and Fact Checked by: Emily Weinberger , Attorney
Homeowners often ask, “Can you see or smell asbestos?” It’s a critical concern, especially during home renovation or repair projects. The dangers of asbestos exposure are well-documented, yet many homeowners don’t know how to recognize it—or whether they even can.
Although the U.S. issued a partial ban on asbestos in 1989, this hazardous material was widely used in homes and buildings for decades beforehand. That means if your home was built before 1990, it could still contain asbestos in key construction elements. When these materials are disturbed, cracked, or removed, tiny asbestos fibers may become airborne, and that’s when they become dangerous.
Inhaling these fibers can lead to serious illnesses, including:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Other respiratory conditions
Because symptoms can take 10 to 40 years to appear, many people don’t realize they’ve been exposed until it’s too late.
Can You See Asbestos?
No. Asbestos fibers are microscopic, up to 700 times thinner than a human hair. Even the materials that contain asbestos (like insulation or drywall) don’t show visual signs of contamination. Whether it’s chrysotile, amosite, or crocidolite, you cannot detect these fibers with the naked eye.
Disturbing asbestos-containing materials without proper safety procedures may release these invisible fibers into the air, where they can remain suspended for days, dramatically increasing the chance of inhalation.
Can You Smell Asbestos?
No. Asbestos has no odor, even in large quantities. Unlike mold or gas leaks, there’s no scent to alert you to its presence in walls, ceilings, or flooring. This makes asbestos especially dangerous—it can be all around you, and you’d never know until health issues arise years later.
Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found in Homes?
Before the asbestos ban, it was widely used in household materials for insulation and durability. You may find it in:
- Popcorn ceilings and ceiling tiles
- Insulation and drywall
- Roofing shingles and cement
- Bathroom and kitchen tiles
- Pipes, plaster, and adhesives
- Textured paint and window sills
- Old furnaces and boilers
- Exterior siding
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Mastics
If your home was built before 1990, it’s wise to assume asbestos could be present in one or more of these areas.
Why DIY Asbestos Testing Is a Bad Idea
You might be tempted to purchase a DIY asbestos test kit. However, this approach comes with serious risks:
- Improper sampling can release asbestos fibers into your home.
- Inaccurate results may lead to false security or unnecessary panic.
- DIY tests are not legally sufficient for real estate disclosures or litigation.
Why You Should Hire Professionals
If asbestos can’t be easily seen or smelled, what should homeowners do if they suspect asbestos materials in their home? The only way to definitively identify the presence of asbestos is to hire professionals who are trained to test for this hazardous substance. Contact information for asbestos-testing professionals near you can usually be found on the website of the city or county where you live. They will have the expertise and knowledge on how to test for asbestos without spreading it or letting it enter the air in your home.
(Important note: Asbestos fibers only enter the air when the asbestos-containing material is moved or disturbed. Building materials that won’t be damaged or moved by remodeling do not require asbestos testing.
What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?
If asbestos fibers are confirmed to be entering the air in your home, we strongly recommend hiring a licensed asbestos abatement company. There are different classes of asbestos removal work, ranging from simple removal to repair and maintenance of asbestos-containing material.
Unfortunately, asbestos abatement can be costly, partly due to federal regulations. Complete asbestos removal for an average-sized home usually averages between $20,000-$30,000.
Pro tip: Make sure the asbestos assessment professional you hire for your initial investigation is not connected to the abatement company. This way, there is no financial incentive for them to find a “problem” in your home when one may not exist.
Legal Help for Asbestos Exposure
If you or a loved one developed an asbestos-related illness, legal compensation may be available. At Serling & Abramson, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping asbestos victims. Our extensive database of asbestos locations, employers, and products helps us maximize your case value.
Act Now—Time Limits Apply
Michigan’s statute of limitations restricts how long you have to file an asbestos claim. Delaying action could jeopardize your case and potential compensation.
Contact us today for a free legal case review and explore your options with a compassionate, experienced legal team.
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