Asbestos can be found not only in drywall sheets but also it's joint compound. Asbestos can be found in drywall from 1930 and in joint compound from the 1940s until the 1980s. Although banned in the year 1977, asbestos can still be found for a few years later.
It is often impossible to tell whether asbestos is embedded in a material, as the fibers are too small to be observed with the naked eye. Exposure to asbestos is responsible for serious respiratory conditions, so thorough testing is required to ensure your home is asbestos-free.
Asbestos was commonly used in thousands of products and home construction materials before the 1980s. From the 1930s to the 1970s, building materials, vinyl goods and other products contained asbestos. Regulations in the 1970s and 1980s limited asbestos use in new products.
Until the late 1970s, almost all American drywall sheets, tapes, and joint compound mixes had asbestos additives. When asbestos-laden drywall is dried and sealed with paint, it's virtually harmless because it doesn't emit loose airborne fibers.
In 1977, the Consumer Products Safety Commission banned asbestos in joint compounds and drywall tape. However, these products may still have been used until 1980 or later from the oversupply that had been purchased prior to the ban. As a result, buildings constructed before 1990 may still contain asbestos in drywall.
Hiring a professional to inspect the property is the only way to be 100% sure about the presence of asbestos.
Asbestos use has declined since the 1970s, but many older homes still contain asbestos. In an older home, asbestos may be in the paint, insulation and floor tiles. Many U.S. homes and public buildings built before the 1980s, such as schools and office buildings, contain asbestos.
If the damage is in a visible area, such as a living room or bedroom, then replacement may be the better option as it will result in a cleaner and more finished look. However, if the damage is in an area that is not visible, such as a basement or attic, then repair may be sufficient.
So, there's no way to know if asbestos is present in your home without paying for a professional asbestos testing service or buying an at-home test kit and sending the sample to a lab.
You can't tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Identifying asbestos requires testing by a licensed asbestos lab. If in doubt, follow the golden rule - if you think it might be asbestos, treat it like it is, and contact a licensed asbestos assessor.
Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation. Asbestos may be present in textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977. Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
Asbestos is no longer added to popcorn ceilings because it's a known health risk. The chances of your ceiling containing asbestos are low for any installations in the late 1980s or after. Newly constructed ceilings don't use asbestos.
How do I know if I have asbestos in my home (in floor tile, ceiling tile, shingles, siding, etc.)? The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory.
Your older home probably did not come with an inventory of all asbestos containing materials, but if the house in which you live was built before 1980, there's a good chance that you'll find asbestos containing materials in the walls, ceiling, roof or floors – or all of the above.
N95 masks do not protect against gases, vapors and cannot be used for asbestos, and they do not provide oxygen.
"Chinese drywall" refers to an environmental health issue involving defective drywall manufactured in China, imported to the United States and used in residential construction between 2001 and 2009 – affecting "an estimated 100,000 homes in more than 20 states".
Plaster: A Traditional Approach
Plaster walls are harder and more durable than drywall, but they are also more expensive to install. In older homes, plaster was typically applied in three coats over wood or metal lath. Modern plastering methods often involve a single coat over a special drywall called a blue board.
If your walls have a lot of holes, gouges, or marks, putting drywall on the existing drywall can be one way to give them a facelift. You may also decide to put drywall over drywall if you've come to regret your previous design choices, such as old wallpaper or paneling.
One-time exposure to asbestos can cause diseases, including mesothelioma cancer. Researchers have found repeated exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing asbestos-related cancers. The risk to individuals who have a one-time exposure to asbestos is generally lower compared to long-term or repeated exposure.
Your work history, job site records and witness statements come next. Documentation may include your doctor's statement. It must link your asbestos exposure to your diagnosis and should include blood tests and imaging scans.
Symptoms of asbestosis
shortness of breath. persistent cough. wheezing. extreme tiredness (fatigue)
Older Homes and Buildings
If your home was built before 1978, it is more likely to have lead-based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-based paint, but some states banned it even earlier. Lead-based paint is still present in millions of homes, normally under layers of newer paint.
Most old asbestos ceiling tiles look light colored, slightly textured and powdery white. They often have small dotted indentations. If your tiles remain intact there is little to no health risk. However, deteriorating ceilings can put all of your building's users at risk.
While popcorn ceilings once had their moment in the spotlight, their appeal has faded. Today, many consider them an eyesore, a remnant of outdated design trends. The lumpy texture doesn't fit the sleek, modern look many buyers crave. In older homes, popcorn ceilings can pose safety concerns.