Asbestos, often thought to be a problem of the past, is still very much a modern concern in the U.S. housing market. 

According to a new national survey commissioned by AsbestosClaims.law, 91% of homeowners say they have never tested their home for asbestos, even though many older properties still contain the material. While federal bans have phased out certain asbestos-containing products, millions of homes built before 1980 may still harbor it in insulation, floor tiles, roofing, and more.

The survey reveals that health risks and lack of awareness are affecting buyer behavior. More than a third of prospective homebuyers (35%) said they would walk away from a sale if asbestos was discovered during the purchasing process, and 82% of U.S. adults believe testing should be legally required before any sale or renovation.

With renovation activity on the rise and natural disasters disturbing older structures across the country, concern about asbestos exposure is growing, particularly among younger and middle-aged homeowners. Yet most homes continue to be sold, rented, or remodeled without any asbestos screening, leaving countless families exposed to a known carcinogen without their knowledge or consent.

A Hidden Threat in Most American Homes

According to the survey, 91% of American homes have never been tested for asbestos. This includes countless properties built before 1980, when asbestos was commonly used in insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, and more. That figure is certainly eye-opening, suggesting that any structure built before that time is likely to contain some form of the toxin.

Many are unaware of the ongoing risk

Many owners and buyers remain unaware of these risks until renovation, demolition, or disaster brings asbestos fibers into the air. The same poll found that 59% of Americans either didn’t know whether their home had asbestos or had never considered it.

Why Buyers and Renters Are Walking Away

Asbestos exposure is directly linked to serious health problems such as asbestosis[1], lung cancer, and mesothelioma.¹ Even small airborne particles, if inhaled, can pose a long-term risk. For homeowners, this raises red flags about resale value, renovation costs, and legal liability. For renters, it becomes a matter of trust and transparency.

This is why the vast majority of survey respondents said they would be more likely to request an asbestos inspection before buying or renting a home after becoming aware of its hazards, and that they’d walk away from a deal if asbestos was found, even if the seller offered a discount.

The Cost of Inaction

Testing for asbestos still isn’t mandatory in most states, and sellers are not always required to disclose its presence unless they are aware of it. That gap in legal responsibility can lead to serious consequences, especially if a new owner discovers asbestos only after starting renovations. Under the “duty to warn” legal principle, failing to disclose known asbestos hazards can lead to lawsuits and insurance complications.

Natural Disasters like Wildfire Can Damage and Release Asbestos Fibers

In the event of property damage from natural disasters, such as wildfires or hurricanes, asbestos becomes even more dangerous. Burned homes can release once sealed fibers into the air, water supplies, and surrounding soil, contaminating neighborhoods and endangering cleanup crews and residents alike. Whether homeowners insurance covers asbestos-related cleanup is a complex issue that varies by policy, and many are surprised to learn it’s often excluded.

Proper Abatement Practices

Improper asbestos handling and removal can lead to vast exposure, hefty fines, and legal issues. Certified asbestos abatement professionals follow strict federal and state guidelines when removing contaminated material. Attempting DIY removal is not only dangerous, it’s illegal in many jurisdictions. Even home contractors must be properly trained and licensed to handle asbestos, or both property owners and workers can face health risks[2] and regulatory penalties.

Testing and Prevention

Many homeowners and landlords avoid getting properties properly tested for asbestos for fear that the process will be costly. They’re not wrong. However, it can be much more costly to avoid inspections, opening these individuals up to legal and financial issues down the road as well as the potential for health complications.

An Ounce of Prevention

Certified asbestos inspections typically cost between $250 and $800, depending on property size and, and for many, the cost is worth the peace of mind. When asbestos[3] is present, costs increase with removal somewhere in the several thousand dollars or more if damage or contamination is widespread.

Some experts recommend routine asbestos checks during property transfers or after significant storms, especially in areas where natural disasters are becoming more frequent. Wildfire-prone states like California and Colorado have seen spikes in asbestos-related claims following large burns, prompting some communities to require asbestos screening before reconstruction can begin.

While remediation certainly isn’t inexpensive, failing to address asbestos future options. Properties that test positive for asbestos may be difficult to sell, lease, or insure without professional abatement and documentation. Eventually, this issue tends to raise red flags and can put landlords and residents in a difficult situation that could have been avoided.

A Shifting Conversation

The overwhelming response from Americans in the survey signals a clear shift in how the public views asbestos from a relic of the past to a present-day health hazard that demands serious attention. Buyers and renters are no longer willing to treat asbestos as just an “old house” issue that isn’t worth investigating. Instead, it’s being recognized for what it truly is—a material with known and well-documented risks, and a red flag that can upend real estate transactions, derail renovation plans, or trigger long-term financial, legal and medical consequences.

Real Estate Buyers Care Whether a Building Has Asbestos

The move toward asbestos awareness reflects a larger trend toward more informed, health-conscious decision-making in housing. Homeowners are beginning to understand that what lies behind the walls, ceilings, and floor tiles of their property can matter just as much as curb appeal or square footage. Buyers want assurance that their investment won’t lead to exposure. Renters want peace of mind that their living space doesn’t come with hidden dangers. Both buyers and renters are now pushing for proactive transparency and accountability from property managers, landlords, realtors, and contractors.

The Value In Certainty

For the real estate industry, this shift offers both a challenge and an opportunity. Sellers and landlords can no longer afford to avoid the issue or downplay concerns. Instead, they’ll need to get ahead of it by initiating testing, keeping proper documentation, and working with certified professionals for remediation. Realtors, appraisers, and inspectors will also be under more pressure to educate themselves and their clients on the presence of asbestos and what it means for resale, renovation, or rental. As public expectations rise, so too will the responsibilities of all parties.

Ultimately, this change in public perception is a form of consumer advocacy in motion. With modern tools for education and outreach, alongside heightened concern about environmental health, the demand for asbestos-free living spaces is expected to grow. Whether through disclosure laws, insurance clauses, or real estate negotiations, asbestos awareness is now part of a national housing conversation that puts health and safety first.

  1. Mossman, B.T., & Churg, A. (1998). Mechanisms in the pathogenesis of asbestosis and silicosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 157(5), 1666–1680. 
  2. Stayner, L., Dankovic, D., & Lemen, R. (1996). Occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos and cancer risk: a review of the amphibole hypothesis. American Journal of Public Health, 86(2), 179–186. 

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). (2001). Toxicological Profile for Asbestos. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.