how can you tell the difference between asbestos and cement board?
You have to have it tested. The difference could be as little as 2% asbestsos and they will appear the same.
banned after the 50,s asbestos is a powder, and is hard to tell if it is or not, cement board is hard,
The real answer is you cannot unless it is labeled. They recommend you get a sample and send it off to be tested. Because asbestos was added to wall board for fire proofing, it may feel lighter and warmer to the touch than regular cement board. All asbestos products after 1980 were banned. Most of the cases you have heard, involve people who were exposed to levels above the 1940 safety limit. As the product breaks down with age, it starts to release fibers. If it remains buried, that is not a problem.
