Awareness, testing, and abatement done by certified hands.
Asbestos and lead come up on almost every pre-1980 home we touch. We coordinate testing, build containment, and abate through certified subcontractors with the right insurance.
Setting the timeline straight.
There is a lot of confusion about whether asbestos is “banned in the United States.” The short answer is — it's complicated. Here is the actual regulatory history:
- 1973–1978:The EPA banned spray-on fireproofing, insulation, and “popcorn” ceiling textures containing asbestos.
- 1989:The EPA attempted a “Full Ban and Phase-Out” of asbestos.
- 1991: The 1989 ban was overturned by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals after a challenge by the asbestos industry. Only a few products (flooring felt, corrugated paper) remained banned.
- March 18, 2024: The EPA finalized a rule to ban chrysotile asbestos — the only form of asbestos still imported and used in the U.S. (mostly in chlorine production and automotive brakes).
Sources: Federal Register (2024) · EPA press release · USGS MCS 2025 · NIH/PMC · CDC.
Older home? Test before you tear into it.
Asbestos is still found in older drywall mud, joint compound, floor tiles, mastics, popcorn ceilings, pipe wrap, siding, shingles, and HVAC duct sealant. Disturbing any of it without testing is how you turn a renovation into a regulated abatement project.
We coordinate testing through certified labs and engage licensed abatement subcontractors when a positive result comes back. Wiley Services does not perform abatement in-house — specialty abatement is what it is for a reason.
Materials we test for
- Popcorn / textured ceilings
- Drywall joint compound
- Floor tiles (9x9 and 12x12)
- Pipe wrap and insulation
- Vinyl sheet flooring & mastics
- Roof shingles and siding (transite)
- HVAC duct tape and sealants
- Lead-based paint (separate scope)
Renovating an older home?
A 30-minute pre-demo inspection can save you a five-figure abatement surprise. We're happy to take a look.