Assbestos

Asbestos in joint compound and textured paint

Drywall joint compound, patching compound and textured paint applied before the late 1970s may contain asbestos. The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned asbestos in consumer patching compounds in 1977 and 1978. Before sanding or demolishing walls in an older home, get them tested.

How likely is it?

  • EPA lists "textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings" (EPA).
  • CPSC lists "patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings, and textured paints" (CPSC).
  • The ban: CPSC's rule bans consumer patching compounds containing asbestos made after January 16, 1978, and all of them after June 11, 1978. It covers drywall spackling and tape joint compound ("joint cement" or "tape joint mud") (16 CFR 1304). CPSC's homeowner guide puts the ban in 1977, when it was announced.

So walls taped, patched or textured before 1978 are the main concern. Later repairs to an older wall may use newer compound, so one test doesn't cover every wall.

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Why it matters for renovation

Sanding joint compound makes a lot of fine dust, and drywall demolition breaks it up. Both are exactly the kind of disturbance the EPA warns about. EPA says not to "saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos-containing materials" (EPA).

What to do

  • Intact, painted walls you're not touching: leave them alone.
  • Planning to sand, cut or remove walls: test first. See renovating an older home.
  • If it contains asbestos: EPA says repair and removal should be done by trained, accredited professionals.

Sources

Last reviewed October 29, 2026. See our sources.