Asbestos

A hazardous material, used for fire resistance, once commonly used in insulation, flooring, and roofing materials. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in building materials because it resists heat, fire, and corrosion, but it is now recognized as a serious health hazard when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. In homes and commercial buildings, asbestos may be found in older insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing materials, siding, and pipe coverings, especially in properties built before the 1980s. Its presence can affect a property’s value and transaction process because sellers may be required to disclose known asbestos, and buyers often request inspections or testing, since removal or remediation can be costly and must be handled by qualified professionals to avoid exposing occupants to harmful fibers.