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Michigan Better Environmental

When Did They Stop Using Asbestos In Houses?

Toxic waste with asbestos sheets piled up on top of one another.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in homes across the United States. Known for its heat resistance, strength, and affordability, asbestos was a go-to material in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building components throughout much of the 20th century.

By the late 1970s, the health risks of asbestos exposure had become harder to ignore. These dangers, especially when asbestos-containing materials were disturbed, led to the development of new federal rules and growing public concern. Yet, despite this shift, asbestos was never completely banned in U.S. residential construction. Millions of homes built before 1980 still contain legacy asbestos today.

In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule banning chrysotile asbestos, the last type still used commercially. This marked a major public health milestone, but many older asbestos products remain legal and present in buildings across the country.

A Brief History of Asbestos Use in Homes

Asbestos became widely used in U.S. homes during the early 1900s. It was found in a wide range of products, including:

  • Pipe insulation and boiler wrap
  • Vinyl-asbestos floor tiles
  • Roofing shingles and cement siding
  • Spray-applied fireproofing and textured ceilings
  • Adhesives, joint compounds, and wallboard

These asbestos-containing materials were durable and fire-resistant, making them popular for decades. However, the connection between asbestos exposure and life-threatening conditions became clearer in the 1960s and 1970s. This shift led to major regulatory action over the following decades.

Key Regulatory Milestones

1973–1978:

  • The EPA issued a comprehensive ban under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
  • In 1991, the Fifth Circuit Court overturned much of it, keeping only five asbestos product categories banned and blocking new uses of those products.

1989–1991:

  • EPA issues a comprehensive ban under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
  • 1991: The Fifth Circuit Court overturns most of it, leaving only five banned product categories and prohibiting new uses of these products.

1990s–2019:

  • Asbestos use declined, but remained legal in legacy materials.
  • In 2019, the EPA closed a regulatory loophole that could have allowed discontinued asbestos products to return without a risk review.

2020–2024:

  • The EPA conducted a final risk evaluation for chrysotile asbestos and concluded it posed an unreasonable risk.
  • In 2024, the agency issued a final rule to ban chrysotile under the TSCA.

Although its use dropped sharply after the 1970s, asbestos was never fully phased out of use. Legacy materials in millions of homes continue to pose a risk today, especially during renovations or demolition.

What Does the 2024 Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Ban Cover?

The 2024 final rule bans chrysotile asbestos, which was the only form still being imported and used commercially in the United States. This ban applies to several product types, including:

  • Aftermarket automotive brakes and linings
  • Sheet gaskets and friction products
  • Asbestos diaphragms used in chlorine production

Phase-out deadlines:

  • November 25, 2024, for most products
  • Up to 12 years for the chlor-alkali and titanium dioxide industries

The EPA ban was celebrated by public health groups, but it is currently facing legal challenges. Industry groups have filed lawsuits questioning the rule, and the EPA has requested a 30-month extension to reevaluate certain elements.

Which Asbestos Products Are Still Legal?

The 2024 ban does not apply to older asbestos-containing products already installed in homes or commercial buildings. These materials are often referred to as legacy asbestos and remain widespread across the country.

Common legacy materials may include:

  • Vermiculite attic and wall insulation
  • Vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring
  • Roofing shingles and siding
  • Textured ceiling paint and patching compounds
  • Pipe insulation and wraps
  • Cement boards near stoves or water heaters
  • Furnace gaskets and heat-resistant adhesives

These discontinued asbestos products can still release dangerous asbestos fibers if disturbed. While they do not pose an immediate hazard when left intact, renovations or demolition can create airborne exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the EPA both recommend having older homes inspected and hiring certified professionals for any removal work.

Why a Complete Asbestos Ban Still Hasn’t Happened

Despite the clear health risks, the U.S. has not passed a full federal asbestos ban. Legal barriers, industry pressure, and regulatory complexity have all contributed to the slow pace of reform.

In 1989, the EPA issued the Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule. Two years later, a court overturned most of it, citing a lack of evidence that the ban was the least burdensome option under the TSCA.

Since then, lawmakers have proposed several bills that would have banned asbestos in America, including:

  • The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act
  • The Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act
  • The Ban Asbestos in America Act

None of these proposals passed. Powerful lobbying from the construction, chemical, and manufacturing industries has played a major role in delaying stricter rules. In the meantime, public health organizations and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization continue to advocate for a complete asbestos ban and better protections for homeowners and workers.

Health Risks from Asbestos Exposure

According to the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asbestos exposure can cause severe health effects. The risk increases with repeated exposure and is even higher for individuals who smoke.

Major asbestos-related diseases include:

  • Mesothelioma: A rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart
  • Lung cancer: Often linked to long-term exposure and smoking
  • Asbestosis: A progressive lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers

Symptoms may not appear until decades after initial exposure. There is no known cure for mesothelioma or asbestosis, although early detection may help manage symptoms. Diagnosing asbestos-related illness typically involves medical imaging, physical exams, lung function tests, and a review of occupational or environmental exposure history.

So, When Did They Stop Using Asbestos in Houses?

There is no single date when asbestos use in homes officially ended. The phase-out occurred gradually:

  • Use began to decline sharply in the late 1970s
  • Partial bans occurred in 1989 but mainly were overturned in 1991
  • The 2024 EPA rule banned the last known commercial use of chrysotile asbestos

If your home was built before 1980, there is a high likelihood that it contains some form of asbestos. The best way to protect your health is to schedule a professional inspection and avoid disturbing any suspect materials. Asbestos inspections and removal should always be handled by licensed experts.

Until Congress passes a complete asbestos ban and addresses legacy asbestos products, homeowners must remain vigilant. Knowing what materials may be affected can help reduce exposure and protect your family.

Do you have questions about asbestos in your home?

Michigan Better Environmental is here to help. Whether you suspect asbestos, want to schedule an inspection, or need guidance on next steps, our team is ready to walk you through the process. Contact us today for safe, informed support.