Asbestos in Drywall: What Homeowners Need to Know

Many homes and buildings constructed before the 1990s may still have drywall containing asbestos. This means people could be exposed to asbestos fibers during renovation, repair or demolition.

Anyone working around old drywall should know how to spot possible risks and protect themselves. Learning about asbestos materials like drywall helps people make safer choices when handling or removing these materials.

Why Was Asbestos Used in Drywall

Asbestos was a popular building material for much of the 20th century. Builders often chose asbestos because it had several useful properties.

Key reasons for using asbestos in drywall include:

• Fire resistance – Asbestos does not burn easily.
• Strength – It adds durability to materials.
• Insulation – Asbestos helps keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Soundproofing – It reduces noise between rooms.

Asbestos fibers can be mixed into drywall, joint compound, ceiling tiles and other products. These materials then become stronger and last longer.

Since asbestos was easy to find and not very expensive to manufacture during the 20th century, it became common in construction. Builders wanted products that worked well and kept people safe from fires.

At the time, many companies and workers did not know about the health risks of asbestos. That is why it was used so often in homes, schools and offices built before the 1980s.

Types of Construction Materials Containing Asbestos

Many common building materials from the 20th century contained – and may still contain – asbestos. The materials include drywall, joint compounds and cement sheets. These materials were used in homes and businesses across the United States and can still be found in old structures today.

Today, new uses of asbestos in construction are mostly banned. The most common type of asbestos (chrysotile asbestos) is banned in the United States. While other types are not banned, their use is heavily regulated and most construction companies and manufacturers substitute asbestos for safer materials.

Drywall and Joint Compound

Some drywall panels made before the 1980s contain asbestos, but joint compounds and texture coatings are more common sources. Joint compound, often called “mud,” was frequently mixed with asbestos from the 1940s-1970s.

Workers applied this compound to seams and screw holes, then sanded it down, sometimes creating dust with asbestos fibers. Textured paints and popcorn ceilings could also have asbestos for strength.

The risk increases when sanding, cutting, or demolishing these materials. Intact drywall or mud that has not been disturbed generally poses little risk.

Cement Sheets and Siding

During the 20th century, manufacturers mixed asbestos fibers with Portland cement to make products like cement sheets, pipes and exterior siding. These were fire-resistant, strong and capable of being molded into different shapes.

“Asbestos-cement siding” was popular for both homes and small commercial buildings during this time period. It often appears as flat, shingle-like boards nailed to exterior walls.

Cutting, drilling, or breaking this siding can release asbestos fibers today.

Who Was at Risk of Asbestos Exposure in Drywall?

People who built, repaired or tore down structures during the 20th century were at risk of being exposed to asbestos in drywall. These people include construction workers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, demolition crews, and homeowners or home residents.

Even today, exposure to asbestos can occur during repair, renovation or demolition work if old homes or buildings have asbestos in drywall.

Construction Workers and Contractors

Construction workers during the 20th century faced direct risk when installing or cutting drywall that contained asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in drywall and joint compound up to the late 1970s. Workers would often sand, drill, or cut these materials, which released tiny asbestos fibers.

These fibers could easily be breathed in or swallowed if workers did not use safety equipment. Supervisors and general contractors on job sites could also be exposed if they were nearby during drywall work. Work clothing, shoes and tools could carry asbestos fibers off-site, possibly affecting others as well.

Drywall installers, finishers and other laborers usually did not know about the risks, as asbestos was not always labeled. Common symptoms like coughing or chest pain might show up years later.

Asbestos exposure for construction workers and contractors can occur today when working on buildings with asbestos hiding in drywall.

Demolition Crews and Renovators

Demolition crews had – and still have – high exposure risks when tearing down walls, removing old drywall, or dealing with fire-damaged buildings. Breaking or smashing old drywall can release large amounts of asbestos dust.

Renovators working on homes or buildings from before the mid-1980s are at risk if they disturb original drywall. Projects like removing wallpaper, scraping paint, or opening wall cavities could release fibers.

Most old buildings do not have warning labels. Asbestos was installed by people who either did not know the substance was present or were not aware of the dangers. For this reason, many renovation jobs today are done without knowing if asbestos is present. Lack of awareness and poor protective measures increases danger for these workers.

Small renovations, like fixing water damage, could expose workers to asbestos. Tools such as reciprocating saws or crowbars disturb asbestos-containing materials during demolition.

Electricians, Plumbers and HVAC Technicians

Electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians faced a risk of asbestos exposure during construction work up to the 1980s when installing new drywall. They also faced a risk in the 1990s and later – and even today – when repairing or replacing parts.

Electricians often drill or cut through drywall to install wiring and outlets. If the drywall contains asbestos, these activities can send fibers into the air and cause asbestos exposure for electrical workers.

Plumbers and pipefitters face asbestos exposure when working inside walls to fix or install pipes and valves. This work often means breaking or cutting through drywall.

HVAC technicians also encounter asbestos during installations, repairs, or efforts to open up wall and ceiling spaces. They might disturb not just drywall but also duct insulation containing asbestos.

Many of these workers move from site to site, sometimes being exposed more often than other trades. Without proper protection and training, repeated tasks increase the chance of breathing in asbestos fibers.

Homeowners, Home Residents, Office Personnel and DIYers

Homeowners, home residents or office personnel doing do-it-yourself remodeling or repairs sometimes face risks when working with older drywall. Asbestos in drywall or joint compounds is common in homes built before the mid-1980s in the United States.

Typical DIY projects – like sanding, sawing, or scraping old walls – could send asbestos fibers into the indoor air. Many homeowners and other home residents may not realize the risk, especially if they are unaware of their home’s age or the history of building materials.

Personal protective equipment was rarely used during the 20th century, when the risk of asbestos exposure from DIY work was highest. Unlike workers, most homeowners do not have training in spotting asbestos or using safety controls. Asbestos dust could stay on clothing, which could carry fibers to other parts of the home or put family members at risk.

How Exposure Occurred in Construction Work

Construction workers during the 20th century often came into contact with asbestos dust when handling drywall. They may encounter asbestos dust today. Most exposure happens during common construction tasks and when safety steps are skipped.

Cutting, Drilling, Or Sanding Contaminated Materials

Drywall often contained asbestos before the 1980s. Cutting, drilling, or sanding these materials can release tiny asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers can stay suspended for a long time and are easy to breathe in or swallow.

Workers using hand or power tools face higher risks. For example, installing fixtures or creating openings in drywall makes more dust. If there is no proper ventilation for dust control, fibers spread throughout the job site. Enclosed spaces, such as buildings with walls and roofs already placed, are most susceptible to contaminated air.

Even cleaning up debris by sweeping or using compressed air makes the fibers airborne again. This means everyone in the area, not just those using the tools, could be exposed.

Improper Removal Without Containment

Removing asbestos drywall without special safety steps can lead to exposure. Safe removal requires sealing off the area and using protective gear. If workers skip these steps, asbestos fibers quickly move through the air.

During the 20th century, some crews removed walls and ceilings dry, which created more airborne dust. Using regular demolition techniques or basic masks gave little to no protection. Many job sites did not follow official guidelines until after laws changed in the 1980s.

People who cleaned up afterward or dumped debris also faced risks. Asbestos fibers stuck to clothes, tools, and surfaces, spreading beyond the work area. Proper containment and cleanup were necessary but often ignored.

While most crews wear more effective protective equipment today when asbestos is known to be present, there’s still a risk of carrying fibers to other work areas on clothing or leaving asbestos dust on surfaces for future exposure.

Health Risks From Asbestos in Construction Materials

Asbestos fibers in building products like drywall can pose major health threats if disturbed. Tiny fibers can be breathed in or swallowed and trapped in the lungs or thin linings near the lungs or abdomen, leading to long-term health issues.

The most notorious health conditions from asbestos exposure are mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other lung diseases.

Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer and Asbestosis

Asbestos exposure is linked to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer caused 100% by asbestos fibers. It begins in the lining of the lungs, abdominal cavity or heart. Fibers get stuck in these linings and irritate the cells, causing them to mutate. People working with or around damaged drywall containing asbestos have a higher risk.

• Lung cancer can also develop from asbestos exposure. The combination of asbestos fibers and tobacco smoke increases the risk even more.
• Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers over a long period. It leads to scarring in the lungs that makes it hard to breathe and may worsen over time.

Symptoms of these illnesses include chronic cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. These conditions are often severe and may not be reversible.

Long Latency Period

One important feature of asbestos-related diseases is the long latency period. Health problems caused by asbestos do not appear right after exposure. It can take 10-50 years for symptoms to develop after someone breathes in or swallows asbestos fibers. This length of time is due to how long it takes for fibers to get stuck in the cells, cause changes, and then cause those changes to lead to multiplication of cells and eventually a tumor.

Since symptoms take a long time to show up, many people do not realize they are at risk. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced. This is why early detection is difficult.

This long delay means that work or home renovation done many years ago can still be a cause for concern now. People should be careful around any old drywall that might contain asbestos.

Identifying and Removing Asbestos in Buildings

Asbestos can be found today in drywall and joint compounds created and installed before the 1980s. It can be harmful if disturbed, so careful steps are needed to find and remove it.

How to Tell if Construction Materials Contain Asbestos

It is not possible to identify asbestos in drywall or joint compound just by looking. Many drywall products made before the late 1970s may contain asbestos. Common places include wallboard, ceiling texture and joint tape.

To know for sure, a professional should collect a sample and send it to a certified lab for testing. Home testing kits exist, but professional testing is safer and more accurate.

Signs to consider:

• Age of the building (built before 1980)
• Crumbling drywall, joint tape or textured coatings
• Previous renovations or repairs

Residents should avoid disturbing suspected asbestos. Do not sand, drill, or tear out drywall if asbestos is suspected.

Safe Removal Requires Licensed Abatement

Removing asbestos is dangerous without training. Licensed asbestos abatement contractors are trained and equipped to handle the process safely.

Basic steps involved:

Laws often require homeowners and contractors to follow strict regulations when removing asbestos-containing materials. Breaking these rules can cause health risks and legal trouble.

Only licensed professionals should remove or repair asbestos drywall. Homeowners or other home residents should not attempt this work themselves due to the risk of releasing dangerous fibers into the air.

Legal Rights for Construction Workers Exposed to Asbestos in Drywall

Construction workers can take legal action if they have been exposed to asbestos on the job. They may qualify for financial help from special funds set up for people harmed by asbestos. Compensation for asbestos exposure can lead to millions in payment.

Lawsuits and Asbestos Trust Claims

Workers who develop health problems from asbestos may file a lawsuit against companies responsible for their exposure. These lawsuits can provide money to cover medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering.

Sometimes companies that manufactured or used asbestos filed for bankruptcy. When this happens, courts make them set up what’s called asbestos trust funds. These funds are already filled with money to quickly pay victims of asbestos diseases.

These trust funds pay workers who can show they got sick from asbestos while doing their jobs. Below is a table that shows the differences between lawsuits and trust claims:

Proof of exposure and illness, such as work records and medical exams, is needed for both legal options.

How an Asbestos Attorney Can Help

A lawyer who knows asbestos cases can answer questions and guide former or current construction workers through the legal process. They help gather needed papers like work history, medical records and proof of exposure. Top asbestos exposure lawyers can say if a lawsuit or trust fund claim is best.

Attorneys often work for a fee that is only paid if compensation is received. They will also handle deadlines, talk with companies or trusts, and explain legal choices in simple terms. Working with a lawyer can help make sure paperwork is correct and workers get the help they deserve.

Final Thoughts: Asbestos Still Lingers in the Built Environment

Asbestos can still be found in some old drywall, joint compounds and ceiling finishes. Even though use of asbestos dropped after the 1980s, many buildings from before that time may still contain toxic materials.

Risks to Consider

• Disturbing old drywall may release asbestos fibers.
• Small repairs or renovations raise the chance of exposure.

People working in construction or building maintenance need to be aware of the potential for asbestos. Homeowners and renters in old homes should use caution if walls need repair or removal.

Common Places Asbestos May Be Present in Drywall

Testing by professionals is the safest way to check for asbestos. Never try to remove materials yourself without knowing if asbestos is present.

Laws in many places require safe handling and disposal. They also limit who can work with asbestos-containing drywall. Anyone who suspects asbestos should follow local rules and contact licensed experts for help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos in Drywall

Asbestos in drywall can pose health risks, and it is sometimes hard to tell if it is present just by looking. Professional testing and safe removal steps are important to manage the dangers.

Sources & Author

About the Writer, David Statman

David Statman is a Content Writer for Mesothelioma Guide. He received both his bachelor's and master's in journalism from West Virginia University, and has been in medical publishing since January 2022. He previously worked in sports journalism, primarily reporting on West Virginia sports for a number of publications.

He lives in Delaware with his wife, dog and two cats, and avidly competes as a professional wrestler in the Philadelphia area.