The Risks of Forgoing Asbestos and Mold Surveys in Homes and Buildings

Written By Sarah Rogge

Prevalence, Consequences, and Why Identification Matters

Across the world, the safety and integrity of our homes and workplaces depend on vigilance—not just in their upkeep, but in their very construction and history. Among threats lurking within walls, ceilings, and basements are hazardous materials such as asbestos and mold. These often invisible and silent hazards have the potential to jeopardize health, degrade property, and trigger costly liabilities. Yet many property owners, buyers, and tenants overlook or underestimate the necessity of thorough surveys for asbestos and mold, gambling with risks both immediate and long-term.

Prevalence of Asbestos and Mold in Residential and Commercial Properties

Asbestos: The Legacy Insulator 

Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals, was once hailed for its durability, fire resistance, and versatility. From the early 1900s through the late 20th century, asbestos found its way into countless building products such as insulation, roofing shingles, vinyl floor tiles, cement pipes, siding, and textured paints. Though its use has declined sharply in recent decades due to health risks, asbestos remains woven into the fabric of millions of structures.

  • Residential homes built before the 1980s: In North America and Europe, an estimated 30-50% of homes constructed before the 1980s contain asbestos in some form.

  • Public buildings, schools, hospitals: Asbestos was a mainstay in public architecture, especially in insulation and fireproofing. Many older schools and hospitals still harbor asbestos materials behind walls and above ceilings.

  • Renovations and demolitions: Any work on buildings predating modern regulations carries the risk of disturbing asbestos, releasing microscopic fibers into the air.

Mold: The Ubiquitous Invader

Mold, a type of fungus, thrives in damp, humid environments. It is a biological contaminant that colonizes wherever moisture and organic material combine. Basements, bathrooms, attics, HVAC systems, drywall, carpeting, and insulation are all victim.

  • Every home is at risk: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mold problems are reported in nearly 1 in 5 homes. The risk increases dramatically after flooding, leaks, or poor ventilation.

  • Hidden growth: Mold often develops out of sight—behind drywall, under flooring, or inside ventilation ducts. Its spores are microscopic and can spread quickly throughout an entire structure.

  • Commercial buildings: Offices, retail spaces, and warehouses are not exempt, especially those with aging infrastructure, poor humidity control, or deferred maintenance.

Risks of Forgoing Asbestos and Mold Surveys

Health Risks

Asbestos

The primary risk of asbestos exposure arises when materials containing asbestos are disturbed. The fibers released into the air are so tiny that they can be inhaled effortlessly and become lodged in lung tissue.

  • Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.

  • Lung cancer: Asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly in smokers.

  • Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by scarring from asbestos fibers.

Symptoms of these diseases may not appear until decades after exposure—typically 30 years—making early detection and avoidance critical.

Mold

Mold spores and fragments can cause a range of health issues—especially for those with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems.

  • Respiratory symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion, and throat irritation.

  • Allergic reactions: Skin rashes, sneezing, eye irritation.

  • Chronic conditions: Prolonged exposure can exacerbate asthma or result in hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a serious inflammatory response in the lungs.

Certain molds, such as Stachybotrys chartarum ("black mold"), produce mycotoxins that can cause neurological symptoms, fatigue, and headaches in sensitive individuals.

Financial and Legal Risks

Failure to identify and address asbestos or mold can result in substantial financial and legal consequences:

  • Remediation costs: Removal of asbestos or mold is specialized, often requiring certified professionals and containment protocols. Unchecked contamination can spread, amplifying costs.

  • Property value loss: Disclosed contamination can reduce market value; undisclosed contamination, when discovered, can lead to lawsuits and loss of sale.

  • Legal liability: Owners and landlords may be held responsible for tenant health problems, especially if they failed to conduct proper surveys or ignored warning signs. Fines and litigation can follow. Asbestos in particular is also highly regulated by OSHA, the AHERA act, and other state and federal agencies.

  • Insurance issues: Some policies exclude coverage for mold or asbestos-related damage if surveys were not conducted or remediation was neglected.

Structural and Environmental Risks

  • Degradation of building materials: Mold can rot wood, drywall, and insulation, compromising the structural integrity of a building.

  • Spreading contamination: Disturbed asbestos can contaminate not only the immediate area but ventilation systems, making the building unsafe for occupancy until cleanup is complete.

  • Persistent odor and staining: Mold growth leads to musty odors and visible staining, reducing livability and appeal.

What Happens When Hazardous Materials Go Unidentified or Unaddressed?

Invisible Threats: How Problems Escalate

When asbestos or mold remain undetected, the risks multiply quietly but relentlessly. A simple renovation can turn a dormant asbestos-containing ceiling into a health hazard for everyone on the premises. A slow plumbing leak behind a wall can spawn a colony of mold that spreads through HVAC systems, affecting every room.

  • Delayed symptoms: The ill effects of exposure may remain hidden for years, making it difficult to connect present illnesses to past exposures.

  • Widespread contamination: Airborne asbestos fibers and mold spores can settle on surfaces and be carried throughout a building, increasing the potential for exposure.

  • Escalating costs: The longer contamination persists, the deeper it penetrates into the building’s structure, making remediation more complex and expensive.

  • Community impact: In multi-unit dwellings, one apartment's mold or asbestos issue can affect neighbors, common areas, and future tenants.

Case Studies: Lessons from Documented Incidents

Example 1: School Asbestos Scare

A public school built in the 1960s underwent minor renovations without an asbestos survey. Asbestos ceiling tiles were disturbed, releasing fibers. Weeks later, multiple children and staff experienced respiratory symptoms, prompting closure and emergency remediation.

Example 2: Mold in Rental Housing

A tenant reported chronic headaches and breathing issues. An investigation revealed extensive mold behind bathroom walls due to a longstanding leak. The landlord had failed to conduct any prior mold survey. Legal action resulted in significant financial penalties and mandated full remediation.

Conclusion: The Imperative to Act

The risks of not getting an asbestos or mold survey are profound and far-reaching. These hazardous materials remain common in older homes and buildings and their potential for harm is both immediate and insidious. The cost of surveys and remedial action pales in comparison to the health, financial, and legal repercussions of ignoring the threat.
Whether buying, renovating, leasing, or maintaining a property, a professional survey is not just prudent—it is essential.

Key Recommendations

  • Always conduct an asbestos and mold survey before any renovation or purchase of older properties.

  • Act promptly on any signs of moisture, leaks, or unexplained symptoms among occupants.

  • Engage certified professionals for remediation and comply with all local regulations.

  • Disclose any known hazards to tenants, buyers, and contractors to protect all parties involved.



Sarah Rogge