No, asbestos has never been fully banned.

 

The EPA attempted a full ban in 1989, but most of that rule was overturned in 1991 by the U.S. Court of Appeals. As a result, many asbestos-containing materials have remained legal and may still be found in residential and commercial buildings from a wide range of construction eras.

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Because asbestos is a regulated carcinogen and was never fully banned, federal regulations require that building materials undergo an asbestos evaluation before any renovation, demolition, or disturbance work. These requirements apply regardless of the year the property was built unless materials are verified to be asbestos-free.

This evaluation process ensures proper handling, prevents accidental fiber release, and maintains compliance with OSHA’s protective standards for workers and occupants.