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Could a newly constructed home contain asbestos?

8/21/2015 | Construction Blog, Real Estate Blog

Part of the reason why many people hire the contractors they do is because they believe that the individual will complete the construction project at hand in accordance with the law. This means abiding by all state and federal construction and zoning laws as well as building safety codes.

Despite this belief though, some people may still wonder if they made the right choice of contractor for their project. Though the contractor may show up on time and work diligently on the project at hand, some people question whether the work is being done in accordance with the law. A home or property owner may even wonder if the materials being used in the construction project are safe or contain dangerous chemicals or particulates.

It’s because of concerns like this that we’re asking the question above: could a newly constructed home contain asbestos? This may seem like a strange question to ask, especially considering the number of federal bans that have been placed on asbestos over the years. Many people are also well aware of the danger asbestos poses to human health, which is another reason why many of our Philadelphia readers may wonder why we’re asking today’s question.

Though you may not realize it, the answer to this question is yes. Despite existing regulatory bans on asbestos use in building materials, there are still some instances in which it’s still allowed. Some home building materials that may contain asbestos legally are:

  • Cement shingles
  • Roof coatings
  • Cement pipe
  • Millboard
  • Vinyl floor tile
  • Pipe wrap

Though this asbestos may be allowed in certain building materials, contractors still need to abide by state and federal construction laws when purchasing materials. This means avoiding the use of products not approved for use in the United States. Failing to do so can lead to a violation of the law, which can leave a contractor liable for any injuries their negligence causes.

Sources: The United States Environmental Protection Agency, “U.S. Federal Bans on Asbestos,” Accessed Aug. 20, 2015

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Asbestos In The Home,” Accessed Aug. 20, 2015