Which material would be least likely to contain asbestos?

Ceramic tiles are typically the least likely to contain asbestos compared to the other materials listed. Asbestos was commonly used in insulation materials, roofing shingles, and textiles due to its heat-resistant properties. Insulation materials, for example, often incorporated asbestos to improve thermal resistance and fire safety. Similarly, roofing shingles sometimes contained asbestos fibers to enhance durability and strength.

In contrast, the use of asbestos in ceramic tiles is far less common. While some older tiles might contain asbestos, particularly those made prior to the 1980s, most ceramic tiles produced in more recent times do not include this hazardous material. The production process for ceramic tiles focuses on different substances and does not typically require the inclusion of asbestos for structural integrity or functionality. This makes ceramic tiles a safer option when assessing the likelihood of asbestos presence.