Q&A about asbestos pipe insulation in buildings:

Questions and answers about how to recognize asbestos insulation on heating or water pipes and what to do about it.

This article series provides photographs of abandoned and partly-covered-up asbestos pipe insulation in buildings to assist in the recognition of that material.

Asbestos pipe insulation in buildings

These questions & answers or comments about asbestos-containing pipe insulation and asbestos pipe insulation removal and disposal procedures and costs were posted originally

at ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION - be sure to read that article.

Watch out: asbestos pipe inslulation in good condition is usually best left alone or encapsulated: left alone, in place, undisturbed, risks and costs are minimized.

But if asbestos pipe insulation is in poor condition, shedding, damaged, falling-off, or if it is in a location where it is likely to be damaged, it should be removed and the pipes cleaned and sealed.

For asbestos pipe insulation that is in poor condition, falling off it is beyond encapsulation and needs to be removed by a professional.

This article series assists building buyers, owners or inspectors who need to identify asbestos materials (or probable-asbestos) in buildings by simple visual inspection.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2022-01-23 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@GH89,

I think you're asking me about a band of material that I can make out surrounding one of the pipes at floor level in your photograph. It's probably an insulating material.

I'm guessing that you're concerned about asbestos. What is exposed is a trivial amount, in an area difficult to touch and certainly not likely to be disturbed, at best, left in place and simply covered over.

Of course if you decide to have it tested let us know what you find.

Remember that asbestos is safe and legal in buildings as long as it's not being disturbed into an Airborne hazard.

On 2022-01-21 by GH89

Any clue what this could be? Surrounding a radiator pipe that runs from the ceiling into the floor (where this photo is taken).

In a main room, but there’s always been something in the corner that prevents much use of that part of the room. Planning on getting this tested, as well.

On 2022-01-06 by Nicole L.

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, thank you! You all are amazing. I also found the link on your page that describes this material in more detail.

BALSAM WOOL INSULATION

On 2022-01-06 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Nicole L., The brown fibrous material with black kraft paper backing looks like a balsam wool product.

On 2022-01-06 by Nicole L.

Hello, I have some insulation-type material falling down from my pipes in my 1954 Illinois-suburbs house. Asbestos?

On 2022-01-04 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - asbestos paper insulating wrap

@Chrishindle95, that may be an asbestos paper insulating wrap. The photo is a little uncertain.

It would make sense to treat that material as presumed to contain asbestos.

You may want to look more carefully at all of that piping as it looks extremely rusted.

On 2022-01-04 by Chrishindle95

Hi, just noticed this material wrapped around some old pipework in my cellar (1870's Victorian terrace house) and was wondering if it is likely to be asbestos containing?

I've added a close up photo which hopefully give a bit more clarity but will get it tested.

... ...

On 2021-12-31 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Lee,

Yes that insulation, installed in the U.S. before 1986, may well contain asbestos.

On 2021-12-29 by Lee

Wondering what this tape is all about and if it might have asbestos? It smells very moldy and old and is chipping off in chunks. Located under the stair in a home built in 1960 in the suburbs of Minneapolis. Would love to replace it to rid the smell, if possible

On 2021-12-20 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - When was the last year that asbestos was used to insulate pipes in homes in southern California?

@evlynf,

See HISTORY & DATES OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIAL BANS & REGULATIONS

On 2021-12-20 0 by evlynf

When was the last year that asbestos was used to insulate pipes in homes in southern California? I am purchasing a downstairs condo built in 1986. No insulation is visible outside, and there is no access to the ceiling.

On 2021-12-11 by Anonymous

1830s house; the insulation around pipes probably from the 1930s based on some newspaper I found wrapped around some. Does anything here look like asbestos?

On 2021-11-24 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - Is the mastic insulating the pipe joints asbestos?

@Jack,

It looks pretty recent; you'll want to get more data - the country/city of location, when that country stopped using asbestos, the age of the building, the age of the work - or have samples tested.

Or find an exposed end of the pipe insulation so that we can see what the insulating material actually looks like.

Compare what you see to the corrugated asbestos paper pipe wrap shown on this page.

On 2021-11-24 by Jack

Is the mastic insulating the pipe joints asbestos? It’s rock hard and not fiber outs.

On 2021-11-21 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - Jute is a plant fibre, not asbestos

@David wild,

That looks like jute. It's certainly not asbestos.

On 2021-11-21 by David wild

Hi I posted previously about pipe lagging and this is the sample I have collected. It's wrapped in white tape and has the look of hair

On 2021-11-07 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod)

@Joel T.,

That looks like a simple fiberglass pipe insulation wrap.

On 2021-11-07 by Joel T.

Is the insulation on this copper pipe something to be concerned about? The house was built in the early 1970s in Michigan.

On 2021-11-03 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - does my Burnham boiler have any asbestos in it?

@Lee B,

We can see fiberglass or possibly a mineral wool insulation in your photos.

If you are seeing some white cementious material, it's possible that it was used as a sealant at some location in the heater.

Some of those sealants contain asbestos depending on the sealant or heater age.

On 2021-11-03 by Lee B

Bought a house with an old, unknown age, Burnham boiler. V-33. No serial number on plate.

Left side of boiler appears to be yellow fiberglass. Pipe-In

Right side (looks like some exhaust blow-by because very dirty looking) might be the same fiberglass, but very dirty? But what is that broken up hard stuff? Asbestos?

Thanks in advance!

On 2021-10-15 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Trin,

So we don't know if the corrugated paper is asbestos or not. In any event the amount that is exposed is trivial.

On 2021-10-15 by Trin

@inspectapedia.com.moderator, Thank you so much. I bought the plates you advised and set them on the pipes. Beforehand I carefully vacuumed around and thought about how many times I did that hitting those pipes - how much danger could this represent? Could I not intentionally damaged the material with this and asbestos was put in the air?

And a reply on your comment. Those pipes actually never had insulation as such around them because they are the thin radiator pipes in rooms - it starts only when you see it where it goes in to the floor.

On some you don’t even see it because installation was made before putting the concrete - this is weirdly written but I don’t know how to explain it. I forgot to mention before but my father said this was a usual cardboard paper they were using to protect the pipes from concrete, paint etc. and also to minimize the cracking sound pipes are making when they are starting to heat.

On 2021-10-14 by inspectapedia.com.moderator - Cover asbestos insulation on pipes at floor in Slovenia

@Trin,

It looks to us as if asbestos pipe insulation was removed where it was easy to do-so: in the room space where you see bare, painted pipe, and that it was left where it was hard to remove - where pipes pass through the floor. See our notes on a clip from one of your photos.

I would seal the exposed asbestos-suspect pipe insulation with a clear spray shellac or varnish and then install a round metal escutcheon plate sold in hinged form that will snap around the pipe and cover those holes in the floor.

Continuing:

Hinged escutcheon plates like the one we show below are sold in various diameters and simply snap in place around the pipe to cover those holes in the floor. A Slovenian plumbing supplier like Termotehnika Ljubljana will have something similar.

On 2021-10-14 by Trin

Hello!
I would really appreciate your input. We live in a house (Slovenia), that was built in late 70’s by my parents. It was refurbished cca 20 years ago and even before ny parents say there was no asbestos used. However I recently paid more attention to the thin radiator pipes in corners of the rooms that go from ceiling to floor and on the floor there is this round protection missing

When taking a closer look I see some sort of insulation. On one picture brown corrugated paper is clearly seen (I don’t know if this could be asbestos) and on the other the material is a bit more detorriated I guess and looks a bit different.

However I think this could be same as its one room to the other. I have a 1 year old son who is now touching and scratching everything and I am terrified if this could contain asbestos.

Can you maybe tell from the photos? I can’t thank you enough.

...

On 2021-10-09 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@David,

The photo is a bit dark and blurry, but I see what looks like yellow fibreglass at the edges of a white wrap; if that's fiberglass its wrapping isn't likely to be an asbestos material.

On 2021-10-09 by David

This is in a UK bungalow approx. 1960 under the floor wrapped around hot water pipes

On 2021-10-06 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@Peter,
It looks like peeling paint and not thick enough to be a type of asbestos-based plaster-like coating or compound. But of course, one photo without depth or context is difficult to identify.

Adding:

Depending on the age of the paint and the country/city of location, there may be a lead-paint hazard.

On 2021-10-06 by Peter

This is a heating pipe running through my bathroom - anything to worry about?

On 2021-09-28 0 by (mod) - leave asbestos-suspect pipe insulation in place if it's in good condition; encapsulate it?

@Andrew,

That looks like it may be corrugated "paper" asbestos pipe insulation; an end-view of some of the material may be a determinant.

Asbestos is safe and legal to leave alone, in place, in buildings unless it is damaged and shedding material.

Often asbestos-pipe insulation is left in place and encapsulated to protect it from damage.

On 2021-09-28 0 by Andrew

This is in the basement of a house in San Francisco built around 1930ish. Is this a dangerous?

On 2021-09-26 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Gabriel, Thank you.

We've worked hard on this material for decades, so I'm really grateful when a reader finds it useful and trustworthy.

We also welcome your photos, questions, criticism or suggestions.

On 2021-09-26 by Gabriel

@inspectapedia.com.moderator, ahh yes. I got a closer look at one of the ends and it has the yellow fiberglass. Quite the relief. Thank you again for sharing. I appreciate it.

On 2021-09-26 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@Anonymous,
If you're referring the 'white' pipe running across the top of the photo, that appears to be the same material as the pipe I referred to with the exposed end. If so, then my answer is the same - not an asbestos product.

On 2021-09-26 by Anonymous

@inspectapedia.com.moderator, Not sure if I'm double commenting. I'm concerned about the top pipe which is the main water line. Any thoughts? Thank you for your prior reply.

On 2021-09-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@Gabriel,

In the lower near Center portion of your photograph where an end view of the pipe insulation can be seen I see what looks like yellow fiberglass insulation. That's not an asbestos product.

On 2021-09-25 by Gabriel

Townhome built in 1980s I believe. Could someone share their thoughts of it could be asbestos.

On 2021-09-06 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Mel, most likely that's mineral wool insulation

On 2021-09-06 by Mel

We are replacing the pipework in our 1950s built SPAN flat and wondered if this weird stuff around the pipes could possibly be asbestos or if it’s clearly something else?

 

On 2019-05-19 by (mod) - acute short term asbestos dust exposure hazard

Thanks for your remark, Anonymous - I used to think what you do about long-term exposure as the source of Asbestosis.

Unfortunately, recent events like the collapse of the NY City World Trade Center (September 11, 2001) and the dense asbestos (and other debris clouds) and thick after-deposits of inches of asbestos-laden dust (asbestos fireproofing spray was used on the first through 38th lower floors of the World Trade Center) provided a tragic illustration of the error in that "opinion".

After the WTC disaster, the incidence of sarcoidosis or SLGPD was increased among FDNY rescue workers. ( Izbicki 2007)

In sum, **acute** exposure to high levels of asbestos dust, occurring even over a very short time - minutes to hours to days - can ha e extremely harmful effects such as was found in at least some workers who were in the WTC area during and shortly after that terrorist attack.

It's possible for improper work, even on a much smaller jobsite, to create similarly harmful conditions during demolition projects.

However I agree with you regarding other low-risk or no-risk situations, as do other experts such as the US EPA who write that

Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air.

We have written throughout this article series, that the probability of a normal occupant or resident suffering asbestosis or similar health injury from the presence of un-disturbed asbestos containing materials such as vinyl or asphalt-based flooring or even pipe insulation (which may be quite friable) - so long as the material is undisturbed and undamaged - is probably below the limits of detection.

In fact my OPINION is that in some cases people's anxiety about such low-risk or even no-risk presences of materials in a building may produce greater health injury (from stress) than the material itself.

Also see our WTC DUST PARTICLE - MICRO PHOTOGRAPHS

Watch out: however. In-expert or amateur DIY "asbestos removal" projects that grind, saw, chop, or otherwise make a messy demolition of asbestos materials, even floor tiles which are not themselves friable, can create both an actual asbestos-health-hazard AND an economic hazard.

We have, for example, encountered homes for sale in which an owner, fearsome that buyers would be reluctant to buy their home where asbestos pipe insulation was present, did their own amateur asbestos insulation removal job, creating a dusty mess and even tracking dust throughout the home.

The result of that mistake can be a requirement of an expensive asbestos-dust cleanup job throughout the home: a cost and job that was completely avoidable.

InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information for the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website.

We very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles. Website content contributors, even if it's just a small correction, are cited, quoted, and linked-to from the appropriate additional web pages and articles - which benefits us both. Working together and exchanging information makes us better informed than any individual can be working alone.

Research on Asbestos-Related Illnesses in World Trade Center Workers

• Izbicki, Gabriel, Robert Chavko, Gisela I. Banauch, Michael D. Weiden, Kenneth I. Berger, Thomas K. Aldrich, Charles Hall, Kerry J. Kelly, and David J. Prezant. "World Trade Center “sarcoid-like” granulomatous pulmonary disease in New York City Fire Department rescue workers." Chest 131, no. 5 (2007): 1414-1423.
  
  Background
  Previous reports suggest that sarcoidosis occurs with abnormally high frequency in firefighters. We sought to determine whether exposure to World Trade Center (WTC) “dust” during the collapse and rescue/recovery effort increased the incidence of sarcoidosis or “sarcoid-like” granulomatous pulmonary disease (SLGPD).
  
  Methods
  During the 5 years after the WTC disaster, enrollees in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) WTC monitoring and treatment programs who had chest radiograph findings suggestive of sarcoidosis underwent evaluation, including the following: chest CT imaging, pulmonary function, provocative challenge, and biopsy. Annual incidence rates were compared to the 15 years before the WTC disaster.
  
  Results
  After WTC dust exposure, pathologic evidence consistent with new-onset sarcoidosis was found in 26 patients: all 26 patients had intrathoracic adenopathy, and 6 patients (23%) had extrathoracic disease.
  
  Thirteen patients were identified during the first year after WTC dust exposure (incidence rate, 86/100,000), and 13 patients were identified during the next 4 years (average annual incidence rate, 22/100,000; as compared to 15/100,000 during the 15 years before the WTC disaster).
  
  Eighteen of 26 patients (69%) had findings consistent with asthma. Eight of 21 patients (38%) agreeing to challenge testing had airway hyperreactivity (AHR), findings not seen in FDNY sarcoidosis patients before the WTC disaster.
  
  Conclusion
  
  After the WTC disaster, the incidence of sarcoidosis or SLGPD was increased among FDNY rescue workers.
  
  This new information about the early onset of WTC-SLGPD and its association with asthma/AHR has important public health consequences for disease prevention, early detection, and treatment following environmental/occupational exposures.
• Rom, William N., Michael Weiden, Roberto Garcia, Ting An Yie, Pratan Vathesatogkit, Doris B. Tse, Georgeann McGuinness, Victor Roggli, and David Prezant. "Acute eosinophilic pneumonia in a New York City firefighter exposed to World Trade Center dust." American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine 166, no. 6 (2002): 797-800.
  Excerpt:
  
  We report a case of acute eosinophilic pneumonia in a New York City firefighter exposed acutely to high levels of WTC dust. Mineralogic analysis demonstrated asbestos fibers with high aspect ratios recovered by BAL from the lower respiratory tract. Such findings emphasize the need for workers at WTC to wear particulate respirators, and to comply with on-site health and safety regulations. Firefighters and rescue workers from the region and around the country were exposed to WTC dust and may be at risk for WTC cough and asbestos exposure.
• Wu, Maoxin, Ronald E. Gordon, Robin Herbert, Maria Padilla, Jacqueline Moline, David Mendelson, Virginia Litle, William D. Travis, and Joan Gil. "Case report: Lung disease in World Trade Center responders exposed to dust and smoke: carbon nanotubes found in the lungs of World Trade Center patients and dust samples." Environmental health perspectives 118, no. 4 (2009): 499-504.
  
  Abstract
  Context
  After the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) on 11 September 2001, a dense cloud of dust containing high levels of airborne pollutants covered Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, New York. Between 60,000 and 70,000 responders were exposed. Many reported adverse health effects.
  
  Case presentation
  
  In this report we describe clinical, pathologic, and mineralogic findings in seven previously healthy responders who were exposed to WTC dust on either 11 September or 12 September 2001, who developed severe respiratory impairment or unexplained radiologic findings and underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical lung biopsy procedures at Mount Sinai Medical Center. WTC dust samples were also examined.
  
  We found that three of the seven responders had severe or moderate restrictive disease clinically. Histopathology showed interstitial lung disease consistent with small airways disease, bronchiolocentric parenchymal disease, and nonnecrotizing granulomatous condition.
  
  Tissue mineralogic analyses showed variable amounts of sheets of aluminum and magnesium silicates, chrysotile asbestos, calcium phosphate, and calcium sulfate. Small shards of glass containing mostly silica and magnesium were also found. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) of various sizes and lengths were noted. CNT were also identified in four of seven WTC dust samples.
  
  Discussion
  These findings confirm the previously reported association between WTC dust
  

Watch out: also, Anonymous, for the possibility that you are not only inviting serious long term health problems for yourself - if you are literally "covered in asbestos" in your work, but also for the possibility that you are bringing enough asbestos-laden dust into your home that you may harm your family or other occupants of the home.

Other independent research has on occasion found asbestosis or asbestos-related-illness in family members of workers who brought home significant levels of asbestos dust.

See

• Kilburn, Kaye H., Ruth Lilis, Henry A. Anderson, C. THOMAS Boylen, H. E. Einstein, S. J. Johnson, and Raphael Warshaw. "Asbestos disease in family contacts of shipyard workers." American journal of public health 75, no. 6 (1985): 615-617.
• GRANDJEAN, PHILIPPE, and ELSA BACH. "Indirect exposures: the significance of bystanders at work and at home." American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal 47, no. 12 (1986): 819-824.
• McDiarmid, Melissa A., and Virginia Weaver. "Fouling one's own nest revisited." American journal of industrial medicine 24, no. 1 (1993): 1-9.
  
  Transport of Hazards from the workplace to the home by workers is a previously recognized but poorly addressed public health problem. Particularly disturbing are the childhood intoxications which may result from such paraoccupational exposure. Work clothes and shoes appear to be a common vehicle for hazard transport in recently reported cases as they were in the past, although other “markers” for potential paraoccupational exposure may be derived from case reviews.
  
  These include: poor workplace hygiene, occupational intoxications in adult workers, and the “cottage industry” phenomenon. These markers are reviewed in the context of recently reported cases and strategies are suggested to mitigate these easily preventable exposures.
• June 1997 - Window Putty Asbestos Hazard: OSHA case cites contractor for asbestos exposure during removal of window putty http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=1091

On 2019-05-18 by Anonymous - i've been covered in asbestos - I’ve never worn a respirator

ive been covered in asbestos, removed it to do repairs, been in places where it’s in a high concentration, even had an open container of asbestos caulking rope in the truck with me, the fear of an incredible product is insane, I should also mention I’ve never worn a respirator when handling it,

there’s plenty of far more dangerous chemicals/materials that are not banned and in use to this day that can do far more damage far quicker than asbestos that people don’t even realize,

I’d suggest actually researching unbiased sites to gain the information that actually applies to asbestos, if it’s in your home, hard to believe for some, but it won’t kill you, hurt you, your family, your cat... knowledge is power, fear is ridiculous if uninformed

Asbestos has to be breathed daily in high levels over a long period (decades) to potentially do any damage to your health, too many people are so afraid of this product and spend ridiculous amounts of money due to this misconception

On 2021-05-26 by (mod) - choose between asbestos pipe insulation removal or encapsulation

@Mike,

The advantages of encapsulation of asbestos-insulated pipes in a building are

- lower total job cost - as you say, about half of the removal cost

- less risk of cross-contaminating the property with asbestos (that's of course going to be on the contractor if they don't control dust and debris)

The advantages of removal are

- no worry about having to put off and increase cost of future repairs to the piping that is insulated with asbestos

- no worry about accidental damage to the existing asbestos insulation

- possibly one less worry in the mind of a future buyer of the home (easier to sell)

IN either course, be sure you fully-document the work as properly-performed so as not to have an issue should the house be sold in the future

On 2021-05-26 by Mike

Adding a follow up photo of the pipe that's in the mechanicals room

Hello Dan, Thanks for fielding these questions! I recently bought a home built in 1928 in Detroit that has Aircell asbestos wrap on the pipes coming off the boiler that seems to be in good shape.

The pipes run in two rooms in the basement and there's about 100' feet total of the asbestos wrapped pipe. I'm attaching a photo of the piping that's in a partially finished room in the basement that I believe was painted at some point so it looks a little worse than the unpainted wrap that's in the mechanical room.

I'm not sure if removal or encapsulation is a better option.

We had a licensed asbestos contractor out to have a look and he said we would be good candidates for either and encapsulation would cost about half as much, though we could still afford the removal costs.

The contractor seemed to lean towards removal since it'd just be gone and we wouldn't need to worry about it again. Would love to hear your thoughts!

On 2020-10-05 - by (mod) -

Glad to assist; Lots of family in Minneapolis; we'll be back in Two Harbors later this fall.

On 2020-10-05 by Mark

Thank you Dan!

Mark, Minneapolis Minnesota

On 2020-10-05 by (mod) - encapsulate asbestos that can be left in place

Mark:

Asbestos that is in good condition can usually be left in place and encapsulated and protected from damage: generally that's recommended as safer and less costly.

Usually when half the asbestos pipe lagging has fallen off of a pipe elbow (such as in your photo shown here) a remediator will have the view that the remaining material is not stable and not secure and will argue for removing at least that section of asbestos insulation as well as any other that is in similar condition.

Proper removal of asbestos pipe insulation such as was often found on heating pipes involves

- setting up dust containment

- removing the material

- cleaning the surfaces left exposed

- sealing the cleaned surfaces

- installing suitable replacement insulation

- encapsulating any other asbestos insulation that's being left in place

- cleaning up the work area

- and for larger projects or if the dust containment was suspect or fell or failed, testing settled dust in surrounding areas to determine if further cleanup is needed.

There's no way such work is going to be done in just a few minutes.

On 2020-10-05 by Mark

Thank you Dan!

Since the asbestos is not "intact", does the asbestos need to be completely removed?

From OSHA 1926.1101(b) "removal" and "disturbance" of thermal system insulation asbestos defines the difference between Class I and Class III work and regulations.

On 2020-10-05 - by (mod) -

Yes, Mark

On 2020-10-02 by Mark

My radiator has a steam leak and we realized that there is exposed asbestos. The property manager claims that an asbestos abatement company can remove the asbestos in under an hour.

Is this "friable" asbestos? Building management did not tell us the material was asbestos until we asked.

Is this reasonable?

-Mark Minneapolis Minnesota

On 2020-07-17 - by (mod) -

Curtis

Certainly it could be

On 2020-07-16 by Curtis

Hi, I’ve come across a big steam pipe 12” diameter with a Hamden wrapping. Between the steel pipe and silver coloured banded wrapping is a white powdered compound. It crumbles very easy. Is this a hard cast asbestos material? Is it highly likely to be asbestos? Pipe is from late 1960s

On 2019-10-23 - by (mod) - cellulose or wood fiber insulation is not asbestos

That looks like a wood fiber or some similar cellulosic insulating material

On 2019-10-23 by Lewis

What's this? Found in loft

On 2019-08-25 - by (mod) -

Thanks for a useful question, Kathy.

You probably don't actually have asbestos "pipes" - more likely asbestos-insulation on heating or water pipes, or less-likely, transite or cement/asbestos pipes sometimes used as a heating chimney or flue vent for gas fired equipment.

It'd help if you'd post a photo or two (one per comment) so I can see better what's going on.

For either of those situations, if the asbestos insulation

(to identify this see ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION)

OR transite pipe

(to identify this see TRANSITE CHIMNEYS)

If the material is not in a location where it's likely to be damaged and / or disturbed, you could spray those exposed "ends" with any spray paint or sealant (or search InspectApedia.com for FUNGICIDAL SEALANTS & PAINTS) or similar encapsulants in several coatings so that there are no loose fibres that can become airborne.

Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air. - US EPA

On 2019-08-25 by KathyDeFelice

I have some old asbestos pipes in my cellar from an old heating system. The bilk of them are still in decent shape but there are exposed ends where the pipes were cut. I cannot afford removal.

What is the best and safest way to cover these pipes and exposed ends? I need to refinance my house and need to take care of this before inspection.

On 2019-07-19 - by (mod) -

That looks to me like an asbestos material, either heavy paper or cementious transite asbestos pipe.

Treat it as presumed to contain asbestos or have a sample tested.

Related questions:

Where is the building: country and city?

How old is the building;

What was this pipe used for? Ducts? Drainage? Heating flue?

If you have test keep us posted.

On 2019-07-19 by kat

I have a sketchy looking pipe with damaged insulation in my basement ceiling. Does this have any telltale signs of asbestos?

On 2019-04-05 - by (mod) -

Vincent

Naturally I can't see much of the properties of the material you describe from my desk here in Mexico,

But if the stuff is asbestos it sounds as if professional cleanup would be in order. Asbestos was still being used in U.S. construction (you don't give your country and city) up to the mid 1980s in one form or another.

You could try the Add Image button to post a sharp photo or two - one per comment.

On 2019-04-05 by Vincent

Hello, I work in a commercial building that started construction in 1980 and opened for occupancy in 1987. While in the basement level the other day, I noticed large, rounded, solid white chunks that seemed to have fallen off an overhead pipe onto the floor. It looks somewhat like asbestos magnesia pipe insulation, but more sturdy and concrete-like.

I was unable to take pictures or get a close look. Could this be asbestos containing material? When was asbestos pipe insulation, both air-cell and magnesia, discontinued from construction of new buildings? Could this debris be ACM? Thanks!

On 2018-12-29 - by (mod) -

Well you might-have. Just how much concern you should have isn't something one can guess by e-text; you could check with your doctor about your general health vulnerability.

You could test a sample of settled dust, and your basement asbestos pipe insulation, if it's generally sound, may still want encapsulation.

Don't stir up more dust.

On 2018-12-29 by Ken

HI, I have asbestos insulation on basement piping and it looks like a huge pile of dust or asbestos seeping out of it. For some reason I swept the basement floor ...kicking up a lot of dust and am now worried I may have inhaled asbestos.

any thoughts? should I be worried or not?

On 2019-01-15 by (mod) - fiberglass insulating pipe wrap

Mama

The photo is a bit blurry but to me your image of pipe insulation looks like yellow fiberglass insulation.

On 2019-01-15 by Mamabear710

Can someone tell me if this is exposed asbestos? It's supposed around what seems to be a hot water pipe.

On 2019-01-01 by (mod) -

Old

What's this asbestos pipe, probably transite cement which contains asbestos, actually doing? If it's moving house are it's an asbestos Hazard if it's venting flue gases that sounds like a safety hazard.

On 2018-12-31 by Old home owner

My floor furnace has an aspestos vent pipe that runs under the house and next to the chimney. It has been knocked loose and repositioned several times by plumbers and my roofer. Should I have it checked?

On 2018-11-12 by (mod) - more fiberglass pipe insulation

Fiberglass covered with something i cant ID

On 2018-11-12 by Steveinsul

Thanks again for your help.

On 2018-11-12 by (mod) -

Thank you for the added detail. Perhaps you can show me in a couple of more detailed and sharp photos.

On 2018-11-12 by Steveinsul

What I have is a dark green plastic wrapping over what looks like a fiberglass but the fiberglass-like material (visible in pic where wrap meets copper pipe) feels softer than fiberglass in other parts of house, so wasn’t sure what it was.

On 2018-11-12 by (mod) - black foam insulating jacket will not be asbestos

A black foam insulating jacket will not be asbestos.

On 2018-11-12 by Steveinsul

The pipe has what looks like an insulating jacket on it. Not sure it’s fiberglass in there, but was curious if the type of insulating jackets contained asbestos from 1977 when house was built.

On 2018-11-12 by (mod) -

Looks like some kind of spray over spray on foam insulation

On 2018-11-12 by Steveinsul

House built in 1977. This insulation wrap is on water pipe near valve where outside faucet is. This pipe is located in basement adjacent to outside wall.

On 2018-11-01 by (mod) -

Vincent

Thank you for the important question.

You are right, most of the asbestos use world wide was of the Chrysotile or serpentine (curly fiber) form.

I thought I had reviewed and corrected this point.

I have reviewed and clarified the article at

ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION - the home page for this topic.

On 2018-11-01 by Vincent

The article states that most corrugated asbestos pipe insulation worldwide was made of crocidolite. Was this also true in the United States? My understanding is that chrysotile was the primary fiber type used in 95 percent of applications in the US. Thanks!

On 2018-08-13 by (mod) -

Dan

That could be a stick caulk-like pipe wrap - some of which contained asbestos depending on age of production.

It would be helpful to know the age of the building, piping, and when the wrap was installed.

To keep your photo in view and to invite comments from other readers I will repeat your question, your photo, and a longer reply at

ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION - the home page for this topic.

Continuing...

I agree that the black stuff looks like mold growth.

The pipe wrap appears to be intact and not shedding.

The safest, least-costly and most-recommended approach (including by US EPA) is to leave such insulation in place, undisturbed, covering or encapsulating it.

The only down-side is that some day if a section of pipe has to be repaired it has then to be handled with appropriate care.

If your pipe insulation is what it looks like, originally it had a sticky surface - it's not likely to be shedding if left alone. I'd encapsulate it.

On 2018-08-12 by Dan

Are these copper water pipes wrapped with asbestos? They are hidden above the drop ceiling in the basement.

The house was built in 1973 in Maryland. Another question is about what appears to be black mold on the wrap. I am assuming that either way, we're going to have to get a proffessional to remove this, correct?

Question: is this asbestos insulation and is it dangerous?

2018/04/11 Antonio said:

Is this asbestos on my pipes - I'm really scared. [paraphrasing from private email]

Reply:

I looked at your photos - they look like asbestos lagging or paste on pipes.

Rather than being very scared, it would be prudent to avoid disturbing the material and to either encapsulate it in place or have it removed professionally.

Watch out: while asbestos in good condition is usually left alone or simply encapsulated (if you avoid making a dusty mess the hazards to building occupants from the material, left alone, in place, undisturbed, are minimized) your case is different.

For asbestos pipe insulation that is in poor condition, falling off, or especially when it is an area accessed by people, it is beyond encapsulation and needs to be removed by a professional.

On 2017-12-13 by (mod) - what to do about asbestos-suspect materials

Nick, I don't have much context around the photo but this looks like it might be a lagging or paste type asbestos pipe cover, in poor condition. If we knew the age of the building and more of the context: what's around, that might help.

I would not disturb the material nor do any messy demolition/removal without either assuming the material contains asbestos, or if faced with a high removal cost, have a sample tested.

Search InspectApedia.com

for ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST if that's needed.

On 2017-12-13 by Nick

I came across this today hidden in some boxing, looks very suspicious and it's not bee picked up on the asbestos register.

Any thoughts on what it could be.

On 2017-09-19 by (mod) -

You are welcome to send photos for comment, Matthew.

Use the page top or bottom CONTACT link. While a photo is never a substitute for a lab test for asbestos, some materials are easily recognized and unambiguous.

On 2017-09-19 by matthew.brett.anderson

Looking for help identifying outgoing ductwork white insulation.

Rest of Furnace ductwork was replaced, but 1 10' stretch covered with white covering. Doesn't look to me like any of the asbestos insulation I've seen. Is there any place to send pictures for a second opinion?

On 2016-08-25 by Howard Johnson

Good evening.

I have just found some old insulation lagging to iron pipes in my loft of a 1920's house; it has the name "Melsulite" branded on the outer face and an imperial measurement alongside;

whilst it looks like a "modern" lagging material as it is foam like and fitted in loose sections like normal lagging, its age and the imperial reference suggests that it may be of some vintage, possibly original and, therefore, may well contain asbestos.

Any comments would be very welcomed.

On 2016-02-06 by (mod) -

Fort

I'm surprised. Age and appearance of heating pipe insulation matching the page top photo of this article are rather reliable indicators.

I'm not aware of a non-Asbestos lookalike.

I can't know just what you saw and would sure like to see some sharp photos as well as to know the age of the building, it's heating and it's heat piping systems.

On 2016-02-06 by fortwaynemark

Hello,
I noticed a pipe at a local business I often go to that had damaged insulation looking like gray corrugated cardboard. I asked the proprietor about it who said they had that specific pipe's insulation tested when it broke at another joint years earlier. They were surprised to hear it was asbestos-free and 'just cardboard'.

I can't help but think it looks just like the Aircell (gray, corrugated) and you say visual identification can be a virtual certainty. Is it possible this is some Aircell-lookalike material? Thank you.

On 2015-12-30 by (mod) -

Yes certainly, Kelly, though there will be an additional cost to remove at least enough asbestos to permit workers to make proper connections to the existing building steam piping.

There is no justification for a complete asbestos pipe insulation removal job just to replace the boiler; however if the pipe insulation in other areas not right at the boiler is not in good condition or is in an area likely to be disturbed then it probably needs removal. Usually it's best to leave asbestos in good condition alone, or to encapsulate it.

On 2015-12-30 by Kelly

Can my steam boiler be replaced if I have asbestos insulation on the pipes? In other words, can it be replaced without disturbing the pipes, or will the insulation have to be removed/replaced before I can have the boiler replaced?

On 2015-11-17 by (mod) -

Duane

That's not an approach I've seen used, I suspect because it's not practical - your foam will ooze all over the place and drop in blobs onto the floor. You'd have to box-in the pipes and then fill the box with foam;

On 2015-11-15 by Duane

Could i use closed cell spray foam to completely encapsulate asbestos covered radiator pipes ?

On 2015-09-06 by norm

can you cover asbestos pipe covering

Question: I have about 30' of old hot water radiator heat piping with asbestos insulation ... what is the best method for removal ..

I have about 30' of old hot water radiator heat piping with asbestos insulation like that shown at the top of this page. Need to remove insulation and then piping. Insulation appears to be wrapped in a cloth wrapping (more asbestos?).

Is the insulation very friable? Besides using all proper PPE, isolation and clean-up described in your other sections, what is best method for removal of this asbestos insulation? - Tom

Reply: Characteristics of a Professional Asbestos Removal Job vs an Amateur Asbestos Removal Project

Tom, the corrugated-paper like asbestos pipe insulation we show at page top is quite soft and friable; the cloth wrapping its exterior is usually cotton or linen that has been painted and is not itself an asbestos material. I'd call a licensed asbestos removal company for this project.

In many jurisdictions you may be legally permitted to remove asbestos but the disposal of the asbestos containing material (ACM) waste must comply with local or state hazardous waste disposal regulations.

See ASBESTOS MATERIAL REGULATIONS

The difference between an amateur asbestos removal and a professional job is also that the pros can be expected to take the the steps we list below.

You could follow these and the more detailed procedures for asbestos cleanup in the US EPA regulations and documents in our references, but the risks are detailed at ASBESTOS REMOVAL, Amateur, Incomplete and include health hazards for the worker(s) and a risk of contaminating the building with asbestos, leading to a still more costly cleanup.

Description of a professional asbestos cleanup procedure for Asbestos Insulation on Pipes

• comply with state or local asbestos abatement regulations
• set up containment where necessary to assure no dust contamination into other building areas
• probably wet the material to minimize dust spread (see ASBESTOS REMOVAL, WETTING GUIDELINES)
• carefully cut the cloth wrapping and remove the pipe insulation sections intact to minimize debris production
• remove asbestos paste/plaster that may have been used on pipe elbows
• wash and clean off asbestos that otherwise remains stuck to the now-exposed pipe surfaces
• possibly paint or seal all of the cleaned pipe with a paint sealant to assure no stray particles of asbestos remain available to become airborne
• properly dispose of the material
• give you documentation of a professional job (receipts by a licensed removal company) that avoid a possible real estate resale issue later on
• for large asbestos abatement/cleanup/removal projects where it's required by regulation or cost-justified, an independent expert will conduct testing before, in some cases during, and after the asbestos cleanup to assure that the dust from the cleanup project has been properly controlled and to assure as well that the cleanup is complete.

What is the Typical Cost of Asbestos Pipe Insulation Removal - per linear foot

Because we are past the peak of consumer fear about asbestos contamination and because the procedures, regulations, licensing have become well known, removal prices for a job like the one you describe should be manageable.

Current (2011) costs per foot to remove asbestos pipe insulation range from around $12. to $25. per foot on larger jobs, and $40. to $65. per foot on a small job. Those per foot costs tend to be less on a larger asbestos abatement project than on a smaller one because of the overhead of coming to the job, setting up containment, etc.

Does the Asbestos Pipe Insulation Actually Have to Be Removed?

If the asbestos pipe insulation is in good condition (not falling off, damaged, making a mess) and especially if it's not in an area where it is likely to be disturbed, you have the option of leaving it in place, perhaps coating it with an encapsulant. The cost of this approach is less than asbestos pipe insulation removal, and the total release of asbestos particles in the building is also less.

Of course plumbing and heating repairs or changes may make it necessary to disturb asbestos-insulated piping, in which case the material needs to be removed and disposed-of.

Asbestos site inspection fees

Typically you'll get a quote based on the number of linear feet of asbestos-insulated pipe to be cleaned, possibly such a quote can be obtained just by telephone, with of course the proviso that on seeing the site and a need for other measures that quote is "subject to site inspection" .

If an onsite survey is required to plan the asbestos cleanup, some contractors charge around $300. for that service, and may forgive that fee if they are then hired to conduct the cleanup.

Asbestos Waste Disposal Fees

We find this cost varies widely from being included in the cleanup per foot cost, to low fees for in-ground burial where permitted, to a cost per bag or pound to have the asbestos containing waste material double bagged and hauled to an approved dumping site by a licensed hazmat waste hauler.

Other asbestos cleanup costs

Other costs on larger asbestos abatement jobs typically include fees to run an air scrubber - figure $100./day - and the fees paid to a qualified expert for asbestos tests performed at the site before, during, and after the cleanup. For small residential asbestos cleanup jobs such as yours, onsite airborne asbestos monitoring is not performed.

Keep in mind that an amateur asbestos removal that contaminates the building is likely to result in a far greater subsequent cost to inspect, test, and clean the building of scattered asbestos dust and debris. During the peak asbestos scare, I inspected a home for a buyer and observed extensive asbestos-insulated heating piping in the basement.

The owner decided he'd do the abatement himself. His wife later told me that "... he had white powdery stuff tracked literally all through the first floor of our home and even upstairs at times ...". In short, he made a horrible mess. The real estate sale stopped dead while the owners had to hire experts to then come and clean the entire home by wiping and HEPA vacuuming everything. It would have been less costly to have done the cleanup right the first time.

...

Continue reading  at ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION - home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION FAQs-2 - more-recent Q&A about recognizing and dealing with asbestos-suspect pipe insulation

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• ASBESTOS in GOOD CONDITION
• ASBESTOS in POOR CONDITION
• ASBESTOS REMOVAL, AMATEUR
• ASBESTOS on HEATING BOILERS
• ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION - home
• ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST
• CEMENT ASBESTOS PIPE MANUFACTURE

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ASBESTOS PIPE INSULATION FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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