Michigan Residential Builders License Practice Test

Common products that might have contained asbestos include which of the following?

1. Vinyl siding

2. Glass windows

3. Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts

4. Wooden beams

The correct answer is: Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts

The option that refers to steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts is correct because these types of products were commonly insulated with asbestos materials due to their heat-resistant properties. Asbestos was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the late 20th century because it can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to fire, making it an ideal material for insulation in heating systems. In homes, steam pipes and boiler systems often required insulation to maintain efficiency and to protect the surrounding structure from heat damage, leading to the inclusion of asbestos in these components. In contrast, while certain vinyl products and building materials might have contained other types of hazardous materials, they were generally not manufactured with significant asbestos content. Glass windows and wooden beams also did not commonly contain asbestos, as their manufacturing processes and material properties did not necessitate the use of asbestos for insulation or fire resistance. Therefore, steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts stand out as the common products that likely contained asbestos.