Asbestos was added to carpet padding to provide fire resistance and heat insulation. Asbestos fibers were mixed with other materials, such as jute or felt, to create a durable and fire-resistant padding. The use of asbestos in carpet padding was common in the 1960s and 1970s, but it continued to be used in some products until the 1980s.

What is Asbestos Under Carpet? Asbestos was commonly used in flooring materials until the late 1970s. It was added to vinyl tiles, sheet flooring, and the backing material used for carpet. Asbestos fibers were added to these materials to make them stronger, more durable, and heat resistant.

Asbestos fibers can be present in the backing or adhesive of carpets, as well as in the padding or underlay beneath the carpet itself. These fibers can become friable, meaning they are easily crumbled or released into the air, when the carpet is disturbed, torn, or deteriorating.

Asbestos carpet underlay is a type of padding or cushioning material placed beneath carpets that contains asbestos fibers. Commonly used in older buildings before the awareness of asbestos risks, this underlay provided cushioning and insulation.

Carpeting does not usually contain asbestos but the underlying floor might. Usually vinyl tiles or the glue used may contain asbestos but not the carpet itself.