Asbestos Plaster: Health Risks, Identification and Safe Removal

Many old buildings still have walls and ceilings made with asbestos plaster. Those who repair, remodel, or just live or work in these spaces may come in contact with asbestos without knowing it. Learning how to spot asbestos plaster – and who to call to repair or remove it – is important for everyone’s health.

Why Was Asbestos Used in Plaster?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was popular in construction during the 20th century. Builders would add asbestos to several parts of homes, offices and other buildings.

Asbestos in items like plaster had several uses. It helped make the plaster stronger and less likely to crack over time. Builders liked asbestos in plaster because walls and ceilings would last longer.

One key benefit is fire resistance. Asbestos resists and absorbs heat, which makes buildings safer if there is a fire. This was especially important in building schools, offices and homes.

Here are some reasons asbestos was used in plaster:

• Strength – Plaster with asbestos can hold up better and is less likely to fall apart.
• Insulation – Asbestos helps keep heat inside buildings and also blocks sound.
• Fire Protection – Plaster with asbestos slows down flames, giving people more time to leave during a fire.

The table below shows some properties of asbestos that make asbestos attractive for plaster:

Cost also plays a role. During the height of using asbestos, which was in the 20th century, the mineral was cheap to mine and manufacture, so it was an easy material to use in building projects. Many builders saw it as a practical choice at the time.

Where Was Asbestos Plaster Found?

Asbestos plaster was used in both homes and commercial buildings up until the late 1970s. It was added to different types of plaster: wall and ceiling plaster; plaster over drywall; and fireproofing applications.

Wall and Ceiling Plaster

Asbestos was commonly mixed into gypsum plaster applied to walls and ceilings. The mixture often contained white asbestos fibers blended with plaster powder. Sometimes, this plaster also had sand, lime or cement for strength.

Older homes and schools built before 1980 often had wall and ceiling plaster with asbestos. Acoustical plaster, used to reduce noise, also could contain asbestos. Decorative plaster ceilings that had patterns or textured finishes could feature asbestos.

Veneer Plaster Over Drywall

Asbestos was sometimes added to veneer plaster, which is a thin layer of plaster spread over drywall or existing wallboard. This method became popular in mid-20th century construction, especially in office buildings, schools and residential homes.

The plaster would stick to the drywall, giving walls a smooth, hard surface. In some cases, builders used this method to add a decorative look with swirls or patterns. This thin coating could be made with either gypsum or lime-based plaster, usually containing a small amount of asbestos for extra strength and fire resistance.

Fireproofing Applications

Builders valued asbestos plaster for its fireproofing qualities. It was sprayed or troweled on steel beams, columns and ceilings in commercial or industrial buildings. The plaster forms a protective barrier around structural supports.

Fireproof gypsum plaster often had asbestos. This type of plaster, which helps slow down heat transfer during a fire, was sometimes paired with other materials like wire mesh or panels.

Some fireproofing plasters were also designed to reduce noise, making them a dual-purpose material (both fire-resistant and acoustical). These plasters were mostly found in high-rise buildings, schools and factories.

How Asbestos Exposure Occurred With Plaster

Asbestos is a mineral made of many microscopic strands. The substance looks like a piece of cloth woven together.

When left undisturbed, asbestos plasters are not an immediate problem. The asbestos is contained to the plaster and too compact to be inhaled or swallowed.

Disturbing or removing the plasters, though, can release harmful asbestos fibers. These fibers are sharp and weightless. They can float in the air for hours and enter people’s bodies, causing irreversible damage to organs and tissue linings.

People working with asbestos plaster faced the greatest health risks, as they were likely to sand or demolish plaster. This work created friction that splintered fibers.

Sanding or Demolishing Plaster

Sanding or demolishing asbestos plaster releases fibers into the air. Workers who sanded walls to smooth them or broke apart old walls were most at risk.

Dust from these activities could spread throughout a building. It was easy to breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers without knowing, as they are much too small to see. Workers could also carry fibers stuck to their clothes or skin into their homes, exposing their family members to the dangerous mineral.

Protective gear was not always used in homes, schools or offices during remodeling or repair work. Even today, some workers may be exposed during demolition work if they are unaware asbestos plaster exists in the building.

Drilling or Cutting Into Walls

Drilling holes for wiring, piping or hanging pictures often disturbed asbestos plaster in the wall or drywall. Even small home improvement projects could release dangerous fibers.

During the 20th century, and even after, many homeowners and contractors did not know asbestos was in the plaster. Cutting with power tools created more dust, making exposure worse than with hand tools. This remains a problem today in old homes, as residents and workers are unaware of asbestos plaster when drilling or cutting into walls.

Detailed list of common activities:

When these actions took place, fibers could travel to other parts of the building through air vents or gaps in doors.

Deterioration

Asbestos plaster can weaken and break down as it gets older. Cracks and chipped sections form as a building ages, especially in areas with moisture problems or lots of movement. Environmental effects, such as weather events like flooding or tornadoes, can damage the plaster and release asbestos fibers.

As the plaster falls apart, asbestos fibers float in the air for hours. If they are not inhaled or swallowed by anyone nearby, they can settle on surfaces such as walls or furniture. Simple tasks like sweeping or vacuuming can spur the fibers back into the air for prolonged exposure. The same can happen from a fan blowing in a room.

Who Was at Risk of Asbestos Exposure From Plaster?

People came into contact with asbestos plaster in many settings, both at work and at home. The greatest risks were faced by those who handled, cut, drilled, or disturbed the material, especially before the health issues became widely known.

Risks remain for anyone working or living in an old building. Asbestos in plaster could be lurking behind walls today. Fortunately, new uses of asbestos in plaster are nonexistent. Companies no longer manufacture asbestos for plaster, and the United States banned chrysotile asbestos, which was the type most often used for plaster.

Construction and Renovation Workers

Construction workers and renovation workers were at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos through plastics. Asbestos plaster was used in many homes and buildings from the 1930s-1970s. Workers mixed, applied, sanded, and repaired the plaster, which unsettled the asbestos and sent fibers into the air.

Carpenters, electricians, plumbers and drywall installers often drilled or cut into walls that contained asbestos plaster. Workers often did not wear protective masks or clothing.

Even after asbestos use slowed, and eventually stopped, construction and renovation workers continued to run into asbestos plaster while remodeling or repairing older buildings. Demolition crews faced danger when tearing down walls or ceilings that contained asbestos. The risk was highest where safety rules were not enforced.

For work on older homes, including remodeling and demolition, the risks of asbestos exposure from plastics still exists today. Renovation workers and demolition crews can be exposed to asbestos lingering in plastics and ready to be released.

Homeowners and DIYers

Some homeowners and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts were – and still are – at risk of asbestos exposure from plastics. People who tried to remove, sand, or patch walls and ceilings during the 1930s-1970s without knowing about asbestos could disturb the plaster. This often happened during home renovations, repairs or installation of things like light fixtures.

Many DIYers lacked knowledge about asbestos and did not use any protective gear. Asbestos dust could stay in the air or settle onto nearby surfaces, leading to children and other home residents being exposed after the work was done.

It was also possible for asbestos dust to travel on clothes and shoes, spreading fibers to other areas of the house. This made proper cleaning and safety steps very important, especially if the work was not done by professionals.

This remains a risk for homeowners and other home residents today if they live in old homes. Remodeling and repair work can lead to asbestos fibers contaminating the enclosed space of a room even now.

Maintenance Crews in Schools and Commercial Buildings

Maintenance staff in schools, offices, hospitals, and factories were often exposed when fixing or updating plumbing, electrical systems or walls. Many buildings used asbestos plaster for fire resistance and soundproofing, so routine work like drilling holes or repairing damaged ceilings could disturb the material.

Janitors, custodians and other maintenance employees sometimes dealt with damaged plaster without knowing it contained asbestos. These jobs might include scraping walls, patching cracks, or replacing ceiling tiles.

In schools, students and teachers could also be at risk if asbestos plaster was broken or crumbling, especially in poorly maintained buildings. Long-term, repeated exposure raised the risk of health problems for maintenance crews and others in the building. Regular inspections and safe work practices were needed to reduce exposure.

These groups remain at risk today, especially in old school buildings. Many school systems are underfunded and have not been able to renovate their school buildings. This means old asbestos installed in the 1970s or earlier could be lurking in plastics within the walls.

Maintenance crews, teachers, students and others spending hours a day in school buildings could be at risk. Many school systems have faced public backlash and even school closings due to asbestos sightings.

Health Risks Linked to Asbestos Plaster

Exposure to asbestos plaster can lead to serious health problems that mainly affect the lungs. The tiny asbestos fibers can become airborne and be inhaled or swallowed, which increases the risk for certain diseases. The most notorious asbestos diseases are lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer caused only by asbestos exposure. It begins in the lining of the lungs (pleura) or the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Inhaling asbestos fibers from plaster can cause these fibers to get trapped in the tissue of these linings, where the sharp fibers irritate cells and cause them to mutate.

Lung cancer from asbestos exposure is another deadly disease. Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer each year in the United States. The risk goes up if the person also smokes. Signs can include coughing, chest pain and trouble breathing.

Key facts:

• Both diseases may take decades to develop.
• There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
• Regular exposure increases the risk significantly.

Warning signs for either disease may take 20-50 years to appear, so early detection is challenging. Both conditions can be fatal, especially if not found early.

Asbestosis and Pleural Thickening

Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which lead to scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring makes breathing hard and lowers the amount of oxygen that gets into the blood.

Symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Chest tightness

Pleural thickening is the hardening and thickening of the lining of the lungs (pleura). This condition can reduce lung function but isn’t cancer. It often develops years after heavy or repeated asbestos exposure.

People at risk are usually those who worked with or near asbestos plaster regularly. These include construction, drywall and demolition workers. Prevention requires proper safety gear and following regulations when dealing with older buildings.

Important: These illnesses have no cure, making prevention the best solution. Regular checkups can help spot early lung changes in people with a high risk.

Identifying and Handling Asbestos Plaster Today

Asbestos plaster can be dangerous if it is disturbed, damaged, or removed without proper precautions. Knowing if a home contains asbestos and understanding the right handling steps are important for health and safety.

Homes, Schools and Other Buildings Made Before 1990

Many homes, schools, office buildings and more built before 1990 may contain asbestos-containing materials, including plaster walls and ceilings. Asbestos was commonly used for its fire resistance and strength during the 20th century. By 1990, manufacturers stopped using asbestos due to the known health risks – and the legal trouble they encountered.

Signs that a building may have asbestos plaster include:

• Constructed or remodeled between the 1920s and late 1980s
• Thick, hard plaster walls or ceilings
• Rough or sandy texture on plaster surfaces

However, there is no way to tell for sure just by looking. Only laboratory testing can confirm the presence of asbestos fibers.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends assuming that any suspect plaster in older homes could have asbestos unless tested. People should avoid disturbing plaster unless necessary and avoid sanding, cutting, or drilling into walls that may contain asbestos.

Only Certified Professionals Should Handle Removal

Removing asbestos plaster is a highly controlled process known as asbestos abatement. The EPA and many state laws require that only trained and certified professionals handle asbestos removal.

Key reasons for using professionals include:

• Certified workers have special training and equipment.
• They use protective gear and follow strict safety rules.
• They seal off work areas to contain dust and prevent exposure.
• Disposal follows legal requirements to protect the environment.

Attempting to remove asbestos plaster without certification can increase health risks and break local or federal laws. It is safest to contact an accredited asbestos removal company for inspection, testing and abatement if needed.

Legal Options for Exposure Victims

Many people who were exposed to asbestos plaster have legal rights. Rules for getting help, such as compensation for mesothelioma or other diseases, often depend on where the exposure happened and who is responsible.

Homeowners, Residents, Workers and Others May Be Eligible

People who lived, worked or rented in buildings with asbestos plaster can get legal help if they got sick from exposure. Illnesses from asbestos include types of cancer and a deadly lung scarring disease.

The groups that often have eligible cases for compensation include:

• Construction workers
• Maintenance staff
• School teachers and students
• Apartment tenants
• Homeowners or other home residents (children, spouses, parents, etc.)

Anyone who has been diagnosed with illnesses like mesothelioma or asbestosis after asbestos exposure should keep records of where and how they were exposed. Family members whose loved one died of an asbestos disease can also be compensated.

Victims should talk to a lawyer who specializes in asbestos cases. Rules can be different in each state, so legal advice is important. States set deadlines for taking action, so it is important to act quickly.

Asbestos Compensation May Come From Lawsuits or Trust Funds

People harmed by asbestos plaster can often seek compensation. The main options include asbestos lawsuits against companies that made or used asbestos products and payments from special trust funds.

Some companies that used or sold asbestos have gone bankrupt. Courts ordered these companies to set up asbestos trust funds to pay victims. The process for receiving compensation is usually quick – within a few months. There is little, if any at all, resistance from the companies with the trust funds when a victim files a claim.

The other possible avenue is filing a lawsuit. This route is used when the responsible company – the manufacturer or the company that bought and used asbestos plaster – is still operating and not bankrupt. Victims can file a lawsuit against the company, which often wishes to settle out of court.

A lawyer can help decide whether to file a lawsuit or a trust fund claim. Some people use both when their case involves multiple at-fault companies. Compensation is important to victims, as it can total hundreds of thousands of dollars and help pay for medical bills, lost income and other costs.

Final Thoughts: What’s Behind the Wall Can Hurt You

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was notorious in construction work during the 20th century. Asbestos plaster was common in homes and other buildings raised before the 1980s.

Asbestos fibers are too small to see but can become dangerous if disturbed. Cutting, sanding, or breaking old plaster can send these fibers into the air. If these fibers enter the body, they can cause cancer.

Many people do not realize they were exposed from construction repair or remodeling work. Additionally, asbestos could still be hiding in walls today.

If someone thinks there may be asbestos plaster, they should not try to remove it themselves. Special training and equipment are needed.

It is important to ask professionals for testing and removal. For safety, never drill, cut, or sand unknown plaster.

Awareness and careful actions help keep people safe from hidden risks inside walls. Homeowners, renters, and workers all benefit from knowing what could be behind the wall.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Plaster

Asbestos plaster was used for many years, but it carries health risks if disturbed. Proper care is needed when inspecting or removing any materials that may contain asbestos.

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.