Any plaster or stucco–residential or commercial–applied in the USA after 1990 should be free of asbestos. Asbestos was declared a health risk and banned in 1989. Older houses–especially those built in the 1940s and 1950s–made extensive use of asbestos in many products.
Asbestos was incorporated into stucco and plaster to enhance fire resistance and soundproofing qualities. It also made the product stronger and lighter. Asbestos is inexpensive and readily available. It is still used in construction materials around the world. Over 50 countries have banned it–including the US, Canada, and many European countries.
Any plaster or stucco–residential or commercial–applied in the USA after 1990 should be free of asbestos. Asbestos was declared a health risk and banned in 1989. Older houses–especially those built in the 1940s and 1950s–made extensive use of asbestos in many products.
Asbestos was incorporated into stucco and plaster to enhance fire resistance and soundproofing qualities. It also made the product stronger and lighter. Asbestos is inexpensive and readily available. It is still used in construction materials around the world. Over 50 countries have banned it–including the US, Canada, and many European countries.
Health Risks Of Asbestos
Asbestos becomes dangerous when the microscopic fibrils are inhaled. They become attached to lung tissue and cannot be expelled. The health effects of prolonged asbestos exposure include asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, among other health problems.
Asbestos in stucco and plaster is perfectly safe if it is left undisturbed. Sanding, cutting, drilling holes, and demolition release asbestos fibrils into the air. Health problems usually appear years–even decades–after inhaling asbestos.
How To Identify Asbestos In Stucco and Plaster
An asbestos test performed by a certified laboratory is the only certain method to identify asbestos in stucco and plaster. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. If your house was built before 1990 have a test done to ensure a safe work environment–even if you are only planning a small project.
Asbestos testing kits are available online. Follow the instructions and mail your sample to the lab. Results are usually available in two weeks. If you don’t want to deal with collecting samples, hire a certified asbestos testing/removal company. They send samples to the same labs as the DIY kits.
Removing Stucco and Plaster Containing Asbestos
Removing asbestos-contaminated stucco and plaster is not a safe or easy DIY project. In some jurisdictions it is illegal. Disposal is difficult and expensive. Hire a professional asbestos abatement contractor. They may recommend encapsulation instead of removal.
Many real estate transactions require full disclosure statements. DIY asbestos removal may not qualify and could stop a sale.
End Notes
Drywall can contain asbestos if the house was built before 1990. Get it tested before disturbing it and treat the drywall like plaster–safely.
