How does the age of a building relate to asbestos risk?

The relationship between the age of a building and asbestos risk is significant because asbestos was widely used in construction materials until the late 1970s. Buildings constructed before this period are more likely to contain asbestos insulation, flooring, roofing, and other materials. This is primarily due to the extensive use of asbestos for its desirable properties, such as heat resistance and durability, before its health risks became widely recognized.

As buildings age, they may also have undergone renovations or repairs that could disturb asbestos materials, further increasing the risk of exposure. Therefore, when assessing asbestos risk, one of the first considerations is the age of the structure, making it clear why older buildings are associated with a higher prevalence of asbestos-containing materials.