When Was Asbestos Used in Homes? What to Know About the Once-Popular Housing Material

If you own a home built before the 1980s, you may wonder: when was asbestos used in homes? Asbestos was once hailed as a miracle material, widely used in construction for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Decades later, we know the grave dangers it poses to our health. Here's what you need to know about asbestos use and whether it may be lurking within your walls, floors, or ceilings.

What Is Asbestos and Why Was It Used in Homes?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its durability and resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. This made asbestos desirable for industrial uses, including construction materials. Aside from its home benefits, asbestos was a go-to material as a relatively low-cost option.

Asbestos was commonly used in materials such as insulation, roofing shingles, vinyl flooring, and textured paints like the popular popcorn ceilings. Its widespread use was driven by the need for durable, safe construction materials that could withstand high temperatures and prevent fires. Unfortunately, as asbestos breaks down over time or becomes damaged, it releases tiny fibers into the air. When inhaled, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

When Was Asbestos Used in Homes?

Asbestos use in home construction started in the 1930s and peaked between the 1940s and 1970s. During this time, builders relied on asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Its popularity continued into the early 1980s, but concerns about the health risks of asbestos exposure began to grow in the 1970s. By the late 1980s, the use of asbestos in home construction had significantly declined, though it was not entirely banned in the United States.

Although asbestos is no longer used in new home construction, many homes built before the 1980s may still contain ACMs. If your house was built during or before that period, there’s a chance that asbestos may be present in some of its materials. It’s important to note that asbestos is most dangerous when it’s disturbed, such as during renovations or repairs, which can lead the harmful fibers to become airborne.

How to Identify Asbestos in Homes

Identifying asbestos in a home can be tricky because it was used in products similar in appearance to modern, non-asbestos materials. You won't know what asbestos looks like in insulation or other areas. Some common areas where asbestos is found in homes include:

• Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used to insulate attics and walls, especially in homes built between the 1930s and 1950s. 

• Roofing and Siding: Asbestos was used in cement-based roofing shingles and siding panels.

• Flooring: If you have vinyl tiles installed before the 1980s, there’s a chance they contain asbestos.

• Textured Ceilings: Popcorn ceilings, popular in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s, may contain asbestos.

• Piping and HVAC Systems: Asbestos was used as an insulating material around pipes and ductwork, especially in basements or boiler rooms.

What to Do If You Have Asbestos in Your House

If you think your home might have asbestos, take the right steps to keep you and your family safe. The most important thing to remember is not to disturb anything that could contain asbestos. It only becomes dangerous when it’s damaged or disturbed, so leaving it alone is the safest choice.

Your first step should be to hire a local asbestos professional to inspect your home and take samples for testing. They’ll confirm whether asbestos is present and help you figure out the best course of action.

If asbestos is found, you have two options: encapsulation or removal. Encapsulation seals the asbestos-containing material to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. This is a good option if the material is in good shape and unlikely to be disturbed. Removal, also known as abatement, is the best choice if the asbestos is damaged or if you’re planning a renovation that could disturb it.

Abatement should always be handled by a licensed asbestos removal professional who has the right tools and expertise. There are strict federal and state regulations for safely removing and disposing of asbestos, and contractors are required to follow them.