Asbestos is often associated with older buildings constructed during the middle of the 20th century. Because its health risks have been widely recognized for decades, it is easy to assume that asbestos is no longer relevant to modern construction or renovation projects. However, asbestos can still present concerns for property owners, contractors, maintenance personnel, and demolition crews.
Understanding where asbestos may be found and when it can become hazardous is important before beginning renovation, repair, or demolition work. Let’s look at how asbestos can still be a problem in modern buildings.
Asbestos Has Not Simply Disappeared
Asbestos was once widely used because of its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. It could be incorporated into numerous construction products, including insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, cement products, pipe coverings, adhesives, and fire-resistant materials.
Many buildings containing these materials are still in use today. Even when a property has undergone renovations, some original materials may remain hidden behind walls, underneath flooring, above ceilings, or around mechanical systems.
As a result, the age of a building can provide useful information about potential asbestos risks, but it should not be the only factor considered.
Can Newer Buildings Contain Asbestos?
The United States has regulated asbestos extensively, but asbestos-containing products were not historically eliminated through a single comprehensive ban covering every possible use.
Regulations surrounding asbestos have continued to evolve. In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule prohibiting ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act, with different compliance timelines applying to specific uses.
For building owners and contractors, the important takeaway is that assumptions should not replace proper investigation. The presence of asbestos should be determined through appropriate inspections and testing when required.
When Does Asbestos Become Dangerous?
Asbestos-containing material does not necessarily create the same level of risk simply because it exists inside a building. The primary concern occurs when asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled.
Materials that are damaged, deteriorating, cut, sanded, drilled, broken, or otherwise disturbed may release fibers. This makes renovation and demolition particularly important situations for identifying asbestos-containing materials before work begins.
Activities as seemingly routine as replacing flooring, opening walls, removing insulation, or modifying mechanical systems can potentially disturb concealed materials.
Why Pre-Renovation and Demolition Inspections Matter
Identifying suspect materials before construction begins allows appropriate procedures to be established before workers start disturbing building components.
Depending on the building and project, qualified professionals may inspect suspect materials and collect samples for laboratory analysis. If asbestos is identified, contractors can determine what regulations apply and whether removal, containment, or other procedures are necessary.
Discovering asbestos unexpectedly after demolition has started can create additional complications. Work may need to stop while the material is evaluated and appropriate safety measures are established.
Asbestos Remains a Building Safety Concern
Asbestos may no longer be used as broadly as it once was, but decades of previous use mean it remains present in many existing structures. Renovation, maintenance, and demolition projects can uncover materials that have remained undisturbed for years.
Proper identification is therefore an important part of planning work that could disturb potentially hazardous building materials. By evaluating suspect materials before work begins, property owners and contractors can better protect workers and building occupants while following applicable asbestos regulations and safe work practices.
Illinois Environmental Contractors Association Resources
It’s essential to consult with removal professionals and follow local regulations to assess the specific risks and costs associated with your situation. If you suspect the presence of asbestos or lead in your property, the issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
For more information on finding a local contractor to assist with asbestos, lead, and other regulated substance information, remediation, or removal, or if you have general questions regarding environmental regulations, check the resources below:
Illinois Environmental Contractors Association Members