Health officials in Portland, Oregon are reassuring residents that asbestos exposure risk from the Centennial Mills demolition remains very low. But the news has many Oregon homeowners asking an important question: could my own home contain hidden asbestos?
The historic Centennial Mills site required careful demolition planning because older buildings often contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, and other materials. While officials say the controlled demolition poses minimal public risk, the situation serves as a reminder that asbestos remains common in homes built before 1980.
For homeowners in Oregon and across the country, understanding asbestos risks starts at home. Buildings constructed before federal regulations took effect may contain asbestos in dozens of common materials — from pipe insulation to ceiling tiles to vinyl flooring.
Not sure if your home is affected? The DIY Asbestos Test gives you certified, accredited-lab results in days — no inspector needed. Simple DIY sampling, mailed to a lab, clear results you can trust.
Shop the kit — $35Why Demolitions Raise Asbestos Concerns
When buildings come down — whether through planned demolition or natural disaster — materials that were safely contained can become disturbed. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. This is why health officials carefully monitor demolition sites and why homeowners should take precautions before starting their own renovation projects.
The EPA recommends that homeowners assume materials in pre-1980 homes contain asbestos until proven otherwise. This is especially important before any work that might disturb walls, floors, ceilings, or insulation. Drilling, sawing, sanding, or removing old materials can release fibers into the home environment.
Oregon Homes Face Elevated Risk
Oregon has a significant stock of older housing, particularly in cities like Portland, Salem, and Eugene. Many of these homes were built during peak asbestos use in construction. MycoTest's state-by-state environmental hazard map shows elevated risk in Oregon due to the age of the housing stock and the prevalence of older building materials.
Beyond asbestos, Oregon homeowners also face risks from wildfire soot contamination and indoor mold caused by the region's heavy rainfall. These environmental hazards can overlap — a home damaged by wildfire smoke may also have disturbed insulation containing asbestos.
When Should Homeowners Test for Asbestos?
Testing makes sense in several situations:
- Before renovation: Any project that disturbs walls, floors, ceilings, or insulation in a pre-1980 home
- After purchasing an older home: Know what materials are present before you start making changes
- After storm or fire damage: Disasters can disturb previously contained materials
- When you notice damaged materials: Crumbling insulation, deteriorating tiles, or damaged pipe wrapping
Professional asbestos inspections can cost hundreds of dollars. Many homeowners prefer to start with a simple material sample test to determine if asbestos is present before deciding on next steps.
What the Experts Recommend
According to the EPA, asbestos materials in good condition generally do not pose a health risk. The danger comes when materials are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorating. This is why testing before renovation is so important — you need to know what you are dealing with before you start any work.
If asbestos is found, homeowners have options. Small amounts of intact asbestos-containing material can often be left in place and monitored. Damaged or deteriorating materials may need professional removal. Either way, knowing is the first step to protecting your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Oregon home has asbestos?
Homes built before 1980 commonly contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, ceiling materials, and pipe wrapping. The only way to confirm asbestos presence is through laboratory testing of a material sample. Visual inspection alone cannot identify asbestos.
Is it safe to stay in my home near a demolition site?
Health officials typically monitor demolition sites for airborne hazards. However, your greater risk may be inside your own home if it contains older materials. Testing suspect materials in your home gives you actionable information about your personal exposure risk.
Can I test for asbestos myself or do I need a professional?
Homeowners can safely collect small material samples for laboratory analysis using a DIY test kit. This involves carefully removing a small piece of suspect material and mailing it to a certified lab. Professional inspection is recommended for large-scale projects or when materials are significantly damaged.
The Centennial Mills demolition reminds us that asbestos remains present in many older structures. Oregon homeowners concerned about their own properties can take a simple first step with the MycoTest DIY Asbestos Test. For just $35, you can collect a material sample at home and receive certified lab results — giving you the information you need to make smart decisions about renovation, repairs, or peace of mind.
Related reading
- Asbestos Concerns Rise Over Fall River Police Station Demolition
- How to Test for Asbestos Before Demolition or Renovation
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. MycoTest DIY kits are screening tools. For confirmed contamination, consult a certified environmental professional.
Sources
- OregonLive.com — Centennial Mills asbestos risk from demolition explosions remains 'very low,' health officials say