Drilling Holes in Your Walls Can Be Much More Dangerous Than You Think
When you're hanging a picture or securing furniture, your first thought might be to grab a drill and make a hole in the wall. But what seems like a simple task could expose you to a hidden and often overlooked danger.
Drilling holes in your walls is a common task, whether you're hanging a picture, installing a shelf, or mounting a device. It usually just requires a drill, the right bit, and a few basic precautions. Most people know to avoid drilling into load-bearing walls and to steer clear of pipes and electrical cables. However, a less obvious but serious danger often goes unnoticed: asbestos.
Asbestos was widely used in construction for its excellent insulation and durability, but it's also extremely toxic, causing severe lung diseases and cancers. There's no safe level of exposure. Asbestos fibers are invisible, highly volatile, and can remain airborne for hours during construction work, easily attaching to clothing.
This danger led to asbestos being completely banned in the U.S. and the UK since the late 1990s. However, because it was so widely used, many buildings constructed before the ban likely contain asbestos. The Asbestos Technical Diagnosis, a document required for homebuyers or renters, only provides a superficial visual check and doesn't ensure there's no asbestos inside walls, floors, or ceilings.
Given this uncertainty, it's nearly impossible for homeowners to know if their property contains asbestos without an extensive and costly Pre-Work Report. As a precaution, it's best to use no-drill mounting systems, which are affordable, effective, and widely available.
If drilling is unavoidable and you suspect asbestos might be present, take safety seriously. Wear an FFP3 mask, disposable coveralls, and gloves. Wet the surface thoroughly before drilling, clean up dust with a damp cloth (never with a broom or vacuum), and use absorbent gel pads between the tool and the surface. Dispose of these pads at a facility that handles asbestos waste.
Even if your home was built after asbestos was banned, these precautions are still important. Crystalline silica, found in materials like concrete and stucco, is also hazardous and can cause serious diseases like silicosis and lung cancer. Always wear a suitable mask when performing any activity that generates dust, as any substance other than oxygen and nitrogen entering your lungs can be dangerous.