Table of Contents
What Is Asbestos?
When Did They Stop Using Asbestos in Homes?
What Does Asbestos Look Like?
Where Is Asbestos Found in Old Homes?
What Percentage of Homes Still Have Asbestos?
Asbestos in Homes Bottom Line
Asbestos in Homes FAQs
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals composed of thin, fibrous crystals. The key characteristics that made asbestos popular in various industrial and construction applications include its durability, heat resistance, fire resistance, and insulating properties. In addition to home construction, asbestos was also used in other industries where heat insulation was a priority.
Asbestos has been known and used for a long time, dating as far back as the Roman Empire and possibly even further. Interestingly, the Romans were well aware of its harmful properties. Some ancient records have shown that people back then already noticed a link between exposure to asbestos and lung disease. However, it continued to enjoy strong popularity in construction work for centuries.
When Did They Stop Using Asbestos in Homes?
The use of asbestos in homes began to decline significantly in the late 1970s and early 1980s due to increasing awareness of its health risks and regulatory actions taken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 1973, the EPA banned spray-applied asbestos fireproofing and insulation materials, and in 1975, they extended the ban to include asbestos-containing pipe insulation and block insulation. Finally, in 1989, the EPA issued the Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule, which banned asbestos-containing products.
Before the bans, asbestos could be found in hundreds of different supplies and materials, from wall insulation to spray coatings, pipe insulation, and more.
The 1970s were a particularly successful period for asbestos producers, with demand reaching its peak towards the end of the decade. At that point, many social movements started to develop, targeting the use of asbestos and trying to spread awareness of its harmful effects.
Despite these regulations, asbestos-containing materials were not required to be removed from existing buildings, so many homes built before the late 1970s still contain asbestos in various forms, such as insulation, floor tiles, roofing shingles, and siding.
What Does Asbestos Look Like?
In its raw form, asbestos resembles a rock with a slightly dark green tint. However, when a piece of asbestos is broken apart, it reveals a microscopic fibrous interior.
That’s what gives asbestos its unique properties. The fibrous nature of the material allows it to easily trap pockets of air, preventing heat transfer and working as an excellent insulating barrier between different areas. But, unfortunately, that’s also what makes asbestos so harmful. These microscopic fibers can break apart easily, and tiny shards of them can make their way into a person’s lungs, causing severe damage that’s often permanent.
Where Is Asbestos Found in Old Homes?
Asbestos can be found in many places inside an old house. As a general rule, the older a house is, and the longer it’s gone without any renovation work, the more likely it is to find asbestos in different parts of it. Some common examples include:
- Wall insulation
- Ceiling material
- Pipe insulation
- Floor covering
- Gutters
- Fencing
- Siding
You can also find asbestos in unexpected locations, such as your carpet underlay and even your floor if it’s made of concrete. Part of the problem with asbestos is its huge prevalence and the difficulty in fully assessing a situation for its presence. It’s not rare that homes have to undergo a complete renovation to ensure that asbestos has been fully removed.
What Percentage of Homes Still Have Asbestos?
It’s hard to track the prevalence of asbestos in current homes, but various attempts have been made to provide a rough estimate of the situation. And no matter what angle you consider this from, it never looks good.
In some cities, more than half of existing homes have been constructed before 1940, with many of them not having seen any serious renovation work since then. In some places, the percentage of old homes from this era goes up to as much as 60%.
Not all of those homes are guaranteed to contain asbestos. But if a house was built before the 1980s and has not been renovated, its construction has likely used asbestos in more than one way.
This makes it important to consult an expert who can provide a detailed overview of the property’s condition before purchasing a home built in the last century. The presence of asbestos can never be ruled out with certainty until a thorough examination has been performed.
Asbestos in Homes Bottom Line
Asbestos is unfortunately still widely present in American homes, and that will likely remain the case for decades to come. As homes change hands and get renovated, the percentage will gradually decrease. But according to expert estimates, it can take more than a century for the country to be completely “cleansed.” Until then, buyers are advised to proceed cautiously and always evaluate each property as thoroughly as possible.
Asbestos in Homes FAQs
Do Houses Built in 1910 Have Asbestos?
Houses built in 1910 can have asbestos, but they are less likely to have asbestos compared to those built in the mid-20th century. Asbestos use in construction materials became more widespread starting in the 1920s and continued through the mid-20th century, peaking around the 1940s to 1970s.
However, some products containing asbestos might have been used in renovations or additions to homes built in 1910, so it is prudent to check for asbestos, especially if the house underwent renovations or updates during the peak asbestos use years (1920s-1970s). If asbestos is suspected, it is essential to have materials tested by a professional and, if necessary, properly managed or removed by licensed asbestos abatement professionals to ensure safety.
When Did They Start Using Asbestos in Houses?
Asbestos started being used in houses in the early 20th century. It was initially used in products such as insulation, roofing materials, and some flooring products due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Its popularity in residential construction grew significantly in the following decades, particularly from the 1920s through the 1970s. During this time, asbestos was also used in insulation, flooring, roofing and siding, drywall, popcorn ceilings, and textured paints.