Until which decade was asbestos commonly used in building materials?

Asbestos was commonly used in building materials until the 1980s due to its desirable properties, such as heat resistance, durability, and sound absorption. During this period, it was widely incorporated into a variety of construction products, including insulation, roofing materials, and flooring.

The widespread use of asbestos began to decline as awareness of its health risks increased, particularly the serious conditions associated with asbestos exposure, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. By the late 1970s and into the 1980s, regulatory bodies began to implement stricter guidelines and bans on the use of asbestos in building materials, which ultimately led to its decline in the construction industry. Thus, understanding the timeline of asbestos usage is critical for those in the building and construction fields, especially concerning health, safety regulations, and building inspections related to older structures.