Exposure Risks by Decade: Where Asbestos Was Hiding in the 1960s–1980s

Asbestos, once hailed as a "miracle material" for its fire resistance and durability, was widely used across industries and homes from the 1960s to the 1980s. However, its dangers—linked to serious health conditions like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis—were becoming increasingly evident during this period. For workers, homeowners, or anyone seeking to understand potential asbestos exposure risks, knowing where asbestos was commonly found during these decades is critical for identifying qualifying work history or environmental exposure. This blog post provides an informative timeline of asbestos use and exposure risks during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Worker wearing protective gear carefully handles an asbestos panel during a removal process.

1960s: The Peak of Asbestos Use

The 1960s marked the height of asbestos use in the United States and many parts of the world. Its versatility made it a staple in construction, manufacturing, and even household products. However, early warnings about its health risks were beginning to emerge, though they were often downplayed or ignored by industries.

Where Asbestos Was Hiding

• Construction and Building Materials:

  • Insulation: Asbestos was a key component in pipe insulation, boiler insulation, and spray-on fireproofing in commercial and residential buildings.

  • Flooring and Tiles: Vinyl asbestos tiles and sheet flooring were popular in homes, schools, and offices.

  • Ceiling Materials: Acoustic ceiling tiles and textured "popcorn" ceilings often contained asbestos for fire resistance.

  • Roofing and Siding: Asbestos cement shingles and corrugated sheets were widely used for their durability.

• Industrial Settings:

  • Shipbuilding: Asbestos was heavily used in naval and commercial shipyards for insulation in engine rooms, pipes, and boilers.

  • Automotive Industry: Brake pads, clutch linings, and gaskets frequently contained asbestos for heat resistance.

  • Manufacturing: Factories producing textiles, cement, and insulation products often used asbestos, exposing workers during production and handling.

• Household Products:

  • Appliances: Hairdryers, toasters, and ovens sometimes included asbestos insulation.

  • DIY Materials: Home repair products like joint compounds, patching materials, and textured paints often contained asbestos.

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Occupational Risks

Workers in construction, shipbuilding, automotive repair, and manufacturing faced the highest risks. Trades like plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and insulators were routinely exposed while cutting, installing, or removing asbestos-containing materials. Secondary exposure was also a concern, as workers could bring asbestos dust home on their clothing, endangering family members.

Regulatory Context

By the late 1960s, studies linking asbestos to lung disease were gaining traction. The U.S. began to take notice, but regulation was minimal. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) wasn’t enacted until 1970, and specific asbestos standards were still in development.

1970s: Growing Awareness and Partial Bans

The 1970s saw increased scrutiny of asbestos as health risks became undeniable. Scientific studies confirmed its link to mesothelioma and other cancers, prompting the first wave of regulations. However, asbestos remained prevalent in many industries, and older buildings continued to pose risks.

Where Asbestos Was Hiding

• Construction and Building Materials:

  • Insulation: While new formulations began to emerge, asbestos-containing insulation was still used in older buildings and some new construction.

  • Drywall and Joint Compounds: Asbestos was common in drywall products and joint compounds until the late 1970s.

  • Pipes and Cement: Asbestos cement pipes were used in water and sewage systems, especially in municipal projects.

• Industrial Settings:

  • Power Plants: Asbestos was used to insulate turbines, boilers, and electrical systems.

  • Refineries and Chemical Plants: Workers handling asbestos gaskets, seals, and insulation faced significant exposure.

  • Railroads: Locomotive components, including brakes and insulation, often contained asbestos.

• Consumer Products:

  • Home Repair Products: Patching compounds, spackling, and textured paints remained sources of exposure for DIY enthusiasts.

  • Protective Gear: Some firefighting equipment and industrial gloves contained asbestos for heat resistance.

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Occupational Risks

High-risk occupations included power plant workers, refinery workers, and maintenance crews tasked with repairing or retrofitting older buildings. Demolition and renovation workers were particularly vulnerable, as disturbing asbestos-containing materials released fibers into the air. Secondary exposure continued to affect families and communities near industrial sites.

Regulatory Context

The 1970s marked a turning point. In 1973, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned spray-on asbestos insulation and fireproofing materials. OSHA introduced workplace exposure limits, though enforcement was inconsistent. By the late 1970s, manufacturers began phasing out asbestos in some products, but existing stockpiles and older structures remained hazardous.

1980s: The Decline of Asbestos Use

By the 1980s, asbestos use was declining sharply due to stricter regulations and growing public awareness. However, it was still present in many older buildings and products, and workers involved in maintenance, renovation, or demolition faced ongoing risks.

Where Asbestos Was Hiding

• Older Buildings:

  • Asbestos remained in insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, and roofing materials in buildings constructed before the 1980s.

  • Schools, hospitals, and public buildings were particularly concerning, as many still contained asbestos from earlier decades.

• Industrial Settings:

  • Maintenance and Repair: Workers servicing older industrial equipment, such as boilers or turbines, encountered asbestos insulation and gaskets.

  • Shipbreaking: Decommissioning old ships exposed workers to asbestos in engine rooms and piping systems.

• Consumer Products:

  • While most consumer products phased out asbestos, some older stockpiles of asbestos-containing materials (like joint compounds) remained in use.

  • Imported products occasionally contained asbestos, as global regulations varied.

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Occupational Risks

Renovation and demolition workers, as well as maintenance crews in older industrial facilities, faced significant exposure risks. Teachers, custodians, and others working in aging schools or public buildings were also at risk from deteriorating asbestos materials. Secondary exposure remained a concern, though awareness was increasing.

Regulatory Context

In 1986, the EPA introduced the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), mandating inspections and management plans for asbestos in schools. In 1989, the EPA issued a partial ban on asbestos, targeting products like flooring, roofing, and certain insulation materials. However, the ban was overturned in 1991, allowing limited use in some products. Existing asbestos in buildings and infrastructure remained a significant issue.

Identifying Qualifying Work History

For those seeking to document asbestos exposure for legal, medical, or compensation purposes, understanding work history during these decades is crucial. Here’s how to approach it:

• Review Job Roles:

  • High-risk occupations include construction workers, shipyard workers, automotive mechanics, power plant workers, plumbers, electricians, insulators, and demolition crews.

  • Even non-industrial roles, like teachers or custodians in older buildings, may qualify due to environmental exposure.

• Document Workplaces:

  • Identify specific job sites, especially older buildings, schools, hospitals, factories, or shipyards constructed or renovated between the 1960s and 1980s.

  • Note any tasks involving cutting, sanding, or disturbing materials like insulation, tiles, or drywall.

• Consider Secondary Exposure:

  • Family members of workers in high-risk industries may have been exposed through asbestos dust brought home on clothing or tools.

  • Living near industrial sites, such as factories or shipyards, could also indicate environmental exposure.

• Consult Records:

  • Employment records, union documents, or pay stubs can help pinpoint dates and locations of potential exposure.

  • Building permits or construction records may indicate whether asbestos materials were used at specific sites.

• Seek Expert Guidance:

  • Consult with occupational health professionals or legal experts specializing in asbestos claims to assess exposure history and health risks.

Conclusion

The 1960s to 1980s were a critical period for asbestos exposure, with the material lurking in homes, workplaces, and public buildings. While regulations began to curb its use, the legacy of asbestos persists in older structures and continues to pose risks during renovations or demolitions. Understanding where asbestos was hiding during these decades is essential for identifying qualifying work history and addressing potential health concerns. If you suspect exposure, consult a medical professional and consider documenting your work or environmental history to explore your options.