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Asbestos in Old Farm Buildings

Older roofing, siding, insulation and pipe wrap on farms may contain asbestos. Disturbing it can release fibers, so the safest step is to find out before you cut, sand or demolish.

What is asbestos and why does it matter?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibers once used in many building products for strength and heat resistance. When products containing it are damaged or disturbed, tiny fibers can be released into the air and breathed in.

Health problems from asbestos can appear years after exposure. Because you cannot tell by looking whether a material contains it, the safest approach is to assume older materials might and to get them tested.

Because the fibers are so small, even a short episode of cutting or breaking can spread them to clothing, tools and vehicles, so the best protection is knowing before you start.

Where might it be on a farm?

Many farm buildings were built or repaired during decades when asbestos products were common. Whether a particular material contains it can be determined only through testing.

Barns, sheds, grain buildings and older houses on the same property may each contain different materials. Treat each separately, and keep records of what you learn.

• Cement-type roofing and siding panels
• Older shingles and roofing felts
• Insulation around pipes, boilers and heaters
• Floor tiles and adhesives in farmhouses and offices
• Textured wall and ceiling coatings
• Old stoves, furnaces and flue materials

What should I avoid doing?

Do not break, drill, saw, sand, scrape or sweep suspect material, and do not use power tools or pressure washers on it. Do not burn old building materials or remove them without knowing what they are.

Avoid trying to clean up debris with a household vacuum or dry sweeping. These steps can spread fibers. Keep children and visitors away from damaged material until it has been evaluated.

If material is already crumbling or broken, restrict access, keep it from getting wetter or more disturbed and call the professionals you identified. Do not try to cover it with improvised patches.

How can I find out if a material contains asbestos?

A qualified professional can take samples and send them to a laboratory. Do not collect samples yourself without guidance, because taking a sample can release fibers.

Ask your state environmental or health agency, your county health department or Extension office how to find accredited inspectors and labs. Requirements for testing before renovation or demolition vary and are set by federal, state and local authorities. Confirm what applies to your project.

What are my options if asbestos is present?

Material in good condition that is left alone may pose less risk than material that is disturbed, but decisions about leaving, sealing or removing it should come from a qualified professional who understands the rules.

Removal and disposal are regulated, and there may be requirements for who may do the work and where waste may go. Ask your state environmental agency about licensed contractors and disposal rules, and do not dump suspect material on the farm.

How does this affect demolition and repairs?

Before you tear down or remodel an older building, check for asbestos and other hazards such as lead paint. Plans may need to include notifications to authorities and proper work methods.

Plan this early. A project that begins without testing can be halted, can expose workers and neighbors and can create extra costs. Hire contractors who can show proof of training and licensing, and keep records of all testing and disposal.

What if I think I was exposed?

Brief or accidental disturbance is common during old building work. Stop work, leave the area, keep others out and avoid spreading dust on clothing and vehicles.

Talk to your health care provider about any concern, and mention the exposure. For information on asbestos and health, see the CDC and EPA. If you or someone else is having trouble breathing, call 911.

Tell household members and workers about your concern so they can also mention it to their doctors. Early awareness helps medical providers take it seriously. Keep a written record of what was tested, who did it and what the results said, and give a copy to any contractor before work starts. Doing so protects workers and helps you show that you took sensible steps. If you are unsure about any step, pause the project and ask. Waiting a few days for a test result is far better than exposing people to something that cannot be undone.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.