# Asbestos

> A fire-resistant mineral once used in insulation, floor tiles, textured ceilings, siding and pipe wrap. Material that is intact and left alone is unlikely to be a health risk. Damaged, or disturbed by remodeling, it can release fibers that cause serious lung disease.

By David Knorr, founder of BuyWise Home. Last reviewed October 28, 2026. Web page: https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/asbestos

## Why it matters to you

You can't tell asbestos by looking at it: only a lab test of a sample can. A general inspector may point out materials that could contain it, but usually can't confirm it.

If materials look damaged, or you plan to remodel, have a trained and accredited asbestos professional take samples during due diligence, and get a quote for the work you'd need. That quote is what you bring to the seller. If the material is in good condition and you won't disturb it, the safest choice is usually to leave it alone.

## Read more

- [Step 6: Due diligence](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/due-diligence): The tests a standard inspection doesn't include, and when each is worth it
- [Step 7: Negotiating repairs](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/negotiate-repairs): How to turn a quote for the work into a credit request
- [Which inspections do you need?](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/tools/which-inspections): Whether this home calls for an asbestos test, and the other checks to book with it
- [U.S. EPA: Protect your family from exposures to asbestos](https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos): Where asbestos is found in homes, and when to leave it alone or call a professional

## Related

- [Step 6: Due diligence](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/due-diligence)
- [Home inspection](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/home-inspection): A visual check of the home's condition by a professional inspector.
- [Due diligence period](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/due-diligence-period): The days after signing to inspect the home and decide. Also called an inspection period.
- [Lead paint](https://www.buywisehome.com/guide/glossary/lead-paint): Paint in many homes built before 1978. Intact paint is not the hazard; its dust is.

_General information from public guidance. Rules and contracts differ by state, and your own contract decides: read it, and ask your agent or closing agent about anything that matters. Not legal or financial advice._