Asbestos Remains in Millions of U.S. Buildings, Posing Risks to Workers
Despite decades of regulation and a recent ban on its last active use, asbestos persists in millions of older American buildings. Renovation and maintenance workers are now at the forefront of exposure risk.
Asbestos, though heavily regulated and with its final active use banned in 2024, remains present in millions of American homes, schools, offices, and factories constructed before the 1980s. Health experts note that new cases of asbestos-related diseases continue to be diagnosed annually, with the risk expected to persist for years.
Once prized for its durability and resistance to heat and fire, asbestos was widely incorporated into building materials like insulation, ceiling tiles, flooring, and roofing. While posing little risk when intact, disturbance through renovation, demolition, or wear can release microscopic fibers that, when inhaled, can lead to serious health conditions.
The primary risk group has shifted from mid-20th century factory workers to those who repair, renovate, and maintain older structures. Construction and renovation crews, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians face significant exposure, particularly during work within walls and ceilings of older buildings. Firefighters are also at risk, as asbestos can become airborne during structural fires or collapses.
School custodians and maintenance staff in older buildings are another exposed group. Furthermore, do-it-yourself home renovations involving tasks like removing floor tiles or scraping ceilings can inadvertently release asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, typically manifests 20 to 50 years after exposure, emphasizing the importance of long-term awareness and preventative measures.
Officials recommend treating materials in pre-1980 buildings as potentially asbestos-containing until tested, hiring accredited professionals for inspection and removal, and avoiding disturbance of suspect materials. Employers must adhere to OSHA safety standards. Public awareness of asbestos's continued presence in older buildings is crucial for mitigating ongoing health risks.