I recently discovered what I believe to be asbestos insulation on the staeam pipes in my basement. It is White, looks like corrugated cardboard, and is wrapped with a thin cloth material. Some of it is ripped up in a few spots. Does this emit asbestos dust if it is not touched or disturbed? It has me very nervous!
Unfortunately the only way to tell if the material is asbestos is to examine a bit of it under a microscope, and your safest approach is to assume it’s asbestos if you think it’s asbestos. In the USA, the Consumer Product Safety Commision has a hotline (800-638-CPSC) that you can call with questions. They can direct you further.Asbestos pipe insulation was manufactured from 1920 to 1972.