What indicates a need for an asbestos inspection?

The need for an asbestos inspection is most clearly indicated by the age of the building combined with visible damage to its materials. Asbestos was widely used in construction materials until the late 1970s, so older buildings are more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). If there is visible damage—such as fraying insulation, crumbling flooring, or deteriorating tiles—this becomes a critical factor since damaged materials can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing serious health risks. Therefore, assessing the conditions of older buildings and identifying damage is essential for determining the need for an asbestos inspection.

Considering the other options: while recent renovations can indicate potential disturbance of asbestos materials, they do not provide the same level of certainty about the presence of ACMs as the age of the building and visible damage do. Increased utility costs may point to inefficiencies in the building but do not directly relate to asbestos presence. The availability of local contractors is also irrelevant when determining the need for an inspection. The key indicators are the building’s age and the physical state of its materials.