In the 1980s, the use of asbestos in house siding materials underwent a significant decline, ultimately being phased out by the mid-1980s to early 1990s. This change was largely due to a growing awareness of the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, particularly its link to lung diseases and cancers. With increased public concern and regulatory agency involvement, building codes and regulations were updated to restrict the use of asbestos in construction materials. 

Depending on the size of your home, the inspection process could take a few hours or a few days. While inspecting your home, the asbestos specialist will take small sections of the potentially contaminated material. They will then send the sample to an accredited laboratory or the local health department for testing. 

The cost of asbestos testing depends on your location, the home's size, and the testing area's complexity. Plan to spend between $230 and $800 for testing. During testing and while handling potential asbestos, the specialist may wear protective gear, including gloves, overalls, appropriate footwear, and respiratory equipment.

No, not all popcorn ceilings have asbestos, but a vast majority do. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned its use in 1973, although it still may have been used up through the early ‘90s. But, in general, homes built or remodeled before the early ‘80s likely utilized materials with asbestos. That being said, a professional test is the only way to determine for sure.

Asbestos was most commonly produced and integrated into building products from the 1920s to the late 1980s. In reality, asbestos use should have ceased much sooner because asbestos was linked to cancer in studies produced as early as the 1950s. You can even extend that number past the 1980s due to stockpiled materials and because some countries treat asbestos use differently. It may also be found more in commercial applications than residential.