How to know if wallpaper contains asbestos?

Author: Prof. Hadley Kuvalis  |  Last update: Saturday, October 4, 2025

The only way to tell for certain is to have it professionally checked asbestos was added to vinyl products, including flooring, vinyl tiles, linoleum and wallpaper, primarily as a fireproofing material.

How to tell if there is asbestos in wallpaper?

Unfortunately the only one sure fire way to know if a material contains asbestos is to get it tested in a lab. It might sound drastic/ expensive but this is the only way.

How do I know if my walls have asbestos?

You can't tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Identifying asbestos requires testing by a licensed asbestos lab. If in doubt, follow the golden rule - if you think it might be asbestos, treat it like it is, and contact a licensed asbestos assessor.

Is it safe to remove old wallpaper?

If the wallpaper was installed correctly and the wall is in good condition, the wallpaper removal process should be straightforward and won't cause any damage. However, if the wallpaper was not installed properly, or if the wall is weak or damaged, removing the wallpaper can cause damage.

Was asbestos used on wallpaper?

Many vinyl products contained asbestos. Manufacturers used asbestos in flooring and vinyl wallpaper until the 1980s to improve heat resistance. The cushioned backing of vinyl sheet flooring commonly contained asbestos. Many workers exposed to asbestos developed related diseases such as mesothelioma.

How To Identify Asbestos In Wallpaper

When did asbestos stop being used in wallpaper?

If the wall paper was installed in pre-1980 but up to 1999 there is a strong possibility that it contains asbestos. Most wallpapers manufactured before 1980 did contain asbestos, especially the vinyl easy wipe types that were used in kitchens and bathrooms.

What are the first signs of asbestosis?

The most common symptoms are:
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Persistent dry cough.
  • Chest tightness or chest pain.
  • Weight loss from loss of appetite.
  • A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while breathing in.
  • Wider and rounder than normal fingertips and toes (clubbing)

How to remove 20 year old wallpaper?

  1. Step 1: Protect Floors and Electrical Outlets. ...
  2. Step 2: Pry Up Wallpaper. ...
  3. Step 3: Score Wallpaper. ...
  4. Step 4: Mix Hot Water Solution. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply Solution and Scrape Off Wallpaper. ...
  6. Step 6: Remove Remaining Adhesive.

Should I wear a mask when removing wallpaper?

Dust masks: Years of dust and debris will start to fill the air when you bring down the paper. Make sure you're protecting your lungs with a suitable mask.

What to do with old wallpapered walls?

The 5 Easiest Ways to Cover Old Wallpaper
  1. Should You Cover or Remove Wallpaper?
  2. Cover Wallpaper with New Wallpaper.
  3. Cover the Wallpaper With Paintable Wall Panelling.
  4. Cover Old Wallpaper With Faux Brick or Concrete Panels for an Industrial Touch.
  5. Paint Over Old Wallpaper With Textured Paint for a Seamless Finish.

How to check if there is asbestos?

take reasonable steps to find out if there are asbestos-containing materials in the building, this will usually take the form of an asbestos survey by a competent surveyor. if asbestos is present, determine how much, where it is and what condition it's in.

What year did they stop using asbestos in walls?

The Consumer Product Safety Act of 1972 banned asbestos in artificial fireplace embers and wall patching compounds. The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 says the EPA can restrict substances including asbestos.

Does N95 protect against asbestos?

N95 masks do not protect against gases, vapors and cannot be used for asbestos, and they do not provide oxygen.

Was my house made with asbestos?

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.

Can you remove asbestos wallpaper?

Given the relative dangers of asbestos, it's prudent to take extreme caution if you plan on removing or remodeling wallpaper installed in a home during the time that asbestos was being used. The most reliable way to know for sure if your wallpaper contains it is to hire a professional to test it.

How long does asbestos stay in the air?

One of the most worrying issues with asbestos is that in the event that it does get disturbed, it can be easily released into the air, and remain there for some time. It is thought that disturbed asbestos can stay airborne for as long as 48 to 72 hours before settling.

How to remove 60 year old wallpaper?

Unlike modern options, older wallpaper will be as tough to remove — though the basic techniques remain the same. Try removing old wallpaper with hot water, vinegar or liquid remover, and use a scraper.

Is removing wallpaper hazardous?

Depending on the age of your home, existing wallpaper may have been installed using adhesives that contain potentially harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or even asbestos and lead. If not properly addressed during the removal process, you and your household could be exposed.

How do professionals remove old wallpaper?

How to Remove Traditional Wallpaper
  1. Gather Your Materials. Water. ...
  2. Mix the Solution. Combine hot water and wallpaper stripper according to the manufacturer's instructions. ...
  3. Apply Solution. ...
  4. Scrape the Wallpaper Off. ...
  5. Score if Necessary. ...
  6. Clean the Walls.

Can you paint over 20 year old wallpaper?

Painting Over Wallpaper Can Be A Bad Idea

The old wallpaper may curl, start lifting at the seams, or even delaminate. Your new paint may not properly adhere to the wallpaper. Imperfections in the wall that were hidden by the wallpaper texture or pattern may become conspicuous once the paint is applied.

How do you tell if you have asbestos?

The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material.

How serious is one time asbestos exposure?

One-time exposure to asbestos can cause diseases, including mesothelioma cancer. Researchers have found repeated exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing asbestos-related cancers. The risk to individuals who have a one-time exposure to asbestos is generally lower compared to long-term or repeated exposure.

Does my ceiling have asbestos?

To accurately determine whether your ceiling has asbestos requires a professional lab test; however, visual cues may help suggest the possibility that materials contain it.

Previous article
Does hanging CDs keep squirrels away?
Next article
Do you need a rug pad on luxury vinyl plank flooring?