Asbestos and Lead in 1950s Homes: What to Know Before You Remodel

Homes built in the 1950s commonly contain lead-based paint, and some contain asbestos in flooring, insulation, pipe wrap, siding or ceiling finishes. These materials are usually not dangerous when left intact. The risk comes when a remodel disturbs them and releases dust or fibers into the air.

That is why the most important step happens before any demolition: find out what’s there, then handle it correctly.

Where asbestos may be hiding

You generally can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos by looking at it. Common places in older homes include:

• Vinyl floor tiles, the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and the adhesives under them
• Insulation on hot water and steam pipes, and around older furnaces
• Textured or “popcorn” ceilings and some wall finishes
• Cement siding and some roofing materials
• Vermiculite insulation in attics

The EPA recommends having your home inspected by a trained and accredited asbestos professional if you’re planning a remodel, because remodeling can disturb these materials. Removal must be done only by trained professionals: improper removal can increase exposure.

Where lead may be hiding

• Paint. Any home built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, often under newer layers on trim, windows, doors and exterior siding.
• Dust and soil. Old paint that chips or is sanded becomes lead dust inside and lead in the soil outside.
• Plumbing. Older solder and fixtures can add lead to drinking water. Related: Is whole-home water filtration right for your home?

The law protects you during a remodel

The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requires anyone paid to disturb painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home to be certified and trained in lead-safe work practices. Before starting, contractors must give homeowners the EPA’s Renovate Right pamphlet.

When you interview builders, ask:

1. Is your firm EPA Lead-Safe Certified?
2. Will you test for asbestos and lead before demolition, and share the results?
3. Who performs abatement, and are they licensed for it?
4. How will you contain dust and protect the rest of the house?
5. Will I receive documentation when the work is complete?

How Greenberg handles hazards: survey, abate, document

1. Survey before any work. Suspect materials are sampled and tested before demolition begins.
2. Abate with licensed crews. Asbestos and lead are removed by licensed specialists following required containment and disposal rules.
3. Document it. You receive the test results and abatement records for your files, which also help when you sell.

Local rules add steps of their own. In the Bay Area, the regional air district requires an asbestos survey and advance notification for many demolition and renovation projects.

FAQ

Is asbestos dangerous if I leave it alone?
Materials in good condition and left undisturbed are generally lower risk. Damaged materials, or any remodel that will disturb them, call for a professional assessment.

Can I test for asbestos myself?
The EPA advises using a trained, accredited professional, because taking samples can itself release fibers.

My home was built in 1955. Does it have lead paint?
It may. Any home built before 1978 is assumed to possibly have lead paint, and remodeling must follow lead-safe practices.

Does a full rebuild remove these hazards?
A rebuild removes the old materials entirely, but they still must be surveyed and removed safely before demolition.

Planning to remodel a pre-1978 home? Start with a survey, not a sledgehammer. Start the conversation

Part 5 of 7 in Healthy by Design, our Wellness series in the Journal. Next: Is Whole-Home Water Filtration Right for Your Home? See how Greenberg builds for wellness.

Sources: EPA, Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program · EPA, Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos · CPSC, Asbestos in the Home