Do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations have surged in popularity thanks to social media, YouTube tutorials, and home makeover TV shows. Many homeowners are drawn to the idea of saving money and adding personal touches by tackling demolition and remodeling projects themselves.
But if your home was built before the early 1990s, there’s a hidden danger that can turn a simple renovation into a lifelong health risk: asbestos exposure.
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can release microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers are easily breathed in or swallowed, and over time, they can cause serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
“He loved home remodeling. We had a very old house in St. Louis City, and we tore out the bathroom. At the time, we didn’t know, but that was more exposure to asbestos.”
– Joyce Larson, wife of mesothelioma warrior John Larson
Why Is Asbestos Still Found in Homes?
Asbestos was once considered a miracle material. It was durable, fire-resistant, and inexpensive, making it a go-to choice for insulation, siding, floor tiles, roofing, and other parts of a home. Builders used asbestos products in houses across the United States for decades without knowing the long-term health risks.
Federal regulations in the late 1970s and 1980s sharply restricted asbestos use, but it’s never been fully banned in the United States. That means millions of older homes still contain asbestos-containing products.
These materials usually aren’t dangerous if left untouched. The real danger comes when they’re cut, drilled, sanded, or broken during renovation work. This releases fibers into the air, where you could breathe them in. If your house was built before 1990, you should always assume asbestos could be somewhere inside and treat any renovations with caution.
Download Mesothelioma Hope’s Free Asbestos Guide to learn how to identify potential hazards and take the right precautions before you begin a home improvement project.
Asbestos in Home Renovation: Common Sources of Exposure
In older houses, asbestos can turn up in places you might not expect. It wasn’t just used in one or two products — it was added to all kinds of materials to make them stronger and fireproof. That’s why disturbing anything in an older building can be dangerous without professional help.
Asbestos may be found in:
- Cement sheeting (fibro board) in walls, eaves, and fencing
- Drywall and joint compound
- Insulation around pipes, ducts, and attics
- Roofing shingles and siding
- Textured paints and popcorn ceilings
- Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
Even if these materials look solid, moving or breaking them can release harmful fibers into the air. Before you start tearing anything out, hire a licensed professional to perform pre-renovation asbestos surveys. They can confirm whether it’s safe to proceed with a demolition or remodel.
The Third Wave of Asbestos Victims
Asbestos-related diseases have emerged in three major waves:
- First wave – Miners and factory workers handling raw asbestos
- Second wave – Tradespeople installing or repairing asbestos products
- Third wave – Homeowners and renovators disturbing asbestos during remodeling
Research shows that more than 60% of DIY renovators working on older homes have been exposed to asbestos. When someone’s working on a remodel, asbestos fibers can stick to their clothes, hair, or tools. These fibers can become airborne and put spouses and children at risk of secondhand asbestos exposure.
“When I was little, my parents lived in a double, and it was an old house. My dad did a lot of the work. He took the old tile off the walls. Any repair work, any remodeling, he did.”
– Mary Jane Williams, mesothelioma warrior
Unlike the first two waves, however, we now understand how harmful asbestos is, which means exposure is preventable with the proper precautions.
Tips for Safe Asbestos Renovations in 2025
If you plan to renovate an older home, asbestos safety should be part of your project from the start.
Keep these 5 tips in mind:
- Assume asbestos is present in homes built before 1990.
- Schedule an asbestos renovation survey with a licensed inspector.
- Stop work immediately if suspicious materials are found.
- Budget for asbestos testing and removal.
- Keep family members and pets away from renovation areas until cleared.
Taking a few extra steps now can protect your health and your family’s for decades to come.
Get Help Determining Your Asbestos Renovation Risk
If you have an older home, it’s important to know your asbestos exposure risks, especially if you’re planning a renovation. Our team is here to help you understand where asbestos might be hiding, what that means for your health, and the best way to move forward.
Mesothelioma Hope can:
- Identify common areas in your home where asbestos might be found
- Explain your personal risk for mesothelioma
- Provide information about testing and inspection options before you start a project
- Connect you with medical and legal resources if you’ve already been harmed
Call us at (866) 608-8933 or download our Free Asbestos Guide to get started.
