15 Home Construction Materials from the ’60s That Would Be Illegal Now

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In the 1960s, home construction was about experimentation and trying to see what you could do with modern materials. Safety standards were fast-tracked and innovations? Well, they were always catching up. Back then, builders were just getting a handle on the science of materials like plastics, synthetic compounds and treated woods. There were some materials that turned out to be more problematic than anticipated and the results weren’t always pretty, or safe.

With hindsight and plenty of health research, many of those construction choices would now be banned outright. We’ll take a look back at some of these relics from the ’60s construction scene, materials that would be outright illegal to use in modern home building today.

Asbestos Insulation

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Asbestos was a go to material for insulation because it was durable, and fire resistant. Unfortunately, it was also highly toxic, and was especially dangerous when its fibers are airborne. In the 1960s, asbestos was used to insulate homes, but later generations discovered that asbestos exposure can lead to serious respiratory diseases, and even cancer. Any construction involving asbestos today requires it to be meticulously removed, and handled by suited specialists.

Lead-Based Paint

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In the ’60s lead based paint was a staple of home interiors, giving walls a vibrant and long lasting finish. Yet, as time passed, it was found that paint that contained lead could be dangerous to children who might eat paint chips or dust that contained lead. Residential spaces’ lead-based paint was banned due to harmful effects on cognitive development and on health.

Polyurethane Foam Insulation

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The fumes given off by polyurethane foam when disturbed or burned are extremely toxic but its insulating properties made it popular. Back then, builders didn’t think about the long term health impacts of using such materials. Today polyurethane insulation has been replaced by safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives, as polyurethane insulation is considered too dangerous for people and for the planet.

Cadmium-Plated Fixtures

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Cadmium was used to plate fixtures because it was resistant to corrosion. Especially popular for pipes and faucets, they made sure they stayed shiny and functional. Unfortunately, according to ScienceDirect, cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems if you’re exposed to it for too long, including damage to your kidneys and weakening of your bones. Home construction today has strict regulation for cadmium, especially where water sources are involved.

Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)

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Its excellent insulation properties and easy application made UFFI praised. It was sprayed directly into walls and sealed gaps to keep homes cozy. However, it was later found that urea formaldehyde is a vehicle for toxic gases that over time affect the indoor air quality and cause respiratory problems. UFFI has been replaced by safer insulation options today, because indoor air quality is now a big deal.

Mercury Thermostats

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For decades, Mercury was a common component in thermostats because it was reliable, and accurate. But according to WHO, mercury is toxic, and even small amounts can be dangerous to health if the material is not handled or disposed of properly. For decades now, modern thermostats have completely abandoned mercury based designs, in favor of safer and more environmentally friendly digital options.

Radon-Emitting Concrete

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Radon gas can be emitted by concrete made with some types of aggregate materials. This wasn’t well understood back then, and radon exposure has since been associated with lung cancer. Radon resistant techniques are being used in homes these days and radon testing is an essential part of assuring safe indoor air quality in many areas.

Arsenic-Treated Wood

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Outdoor decks and playgrounds used arsenic treated wood extensively because it was very resistant to rot and pests. Unfortunately, arsenic is a very toxic poison, and continued exposure, especially as the wood starts to break down, very much can be a health hazard. Wood these days is treated with safer preservatives, making outdoor areas safer for everyone.

Asphalt Tile Flooring

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Asphalt tiles were cheap and durable. But the asbestos in these tiles was often a double hazard: dangerous chemicals and fibers. After damage, these tiles can allow asbestos to be discharged in to the air. No longer do modern flooring solutions rely on this dangerous mix of materials, instead relying on non toxic and sustainable options.

Electrical Transformers and PCBs

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Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) had once been used to insulate heat in electrical transformers and capacitors. PCBs were found to be highly toxic and to do harm to the environment, when accumulating in living organisms and to pose risks to human health. Finally, PCBs were banned and today’s electrical components are using much safer materials.

Aluminum Frames on Single-Pane Windows

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Single pane aluminum windows were common in the ’60s because they were cheap and easy to install. But they’re really bad at insulation, which means high energy costs and poor temperature regulation. Energy efficiency is a key priority today, and double or triple pane windows with insulated frames have replaced these old models.

Galvanized Coating Steel Piping

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Once, plumbing was done with galvanized steel pipes, which were strong and didn’t rust. But zinc coatings corrode over time, and can leach into water and cause health problems. The modern plumbing materials that are used today are copper and PEX piping which carry the no risks and are longer lasting and safer.

Fiberglass Ceiling Panels

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Fiberglass ceiling panels were soundproofing / insulation trendy and installed often. If disturbed, these panels release tiny fiberglass particles that can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Today’s building codes demand safer installation practices and substitution of fiberglass dust reducing materials.

Old-School PVC Pipes

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Piping for the drains became popular and then so did the ones for sewage as it proved to be cheap. But early PVC formulations contained toxic chemicals that could leach into water over time. Today’s PVC pipes are safer but they can be used only in a limited way, particularly in water lines that carry water for consumption.

Clay Sewer Pipes

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In the ’60s, clay sewer pipes were popular because they were cheap and easy to come by. But they were prone to cracking and breaking and would leak and possibly contaminate the surrounding soil. In our day, clay is being replaced by more durable materials such as PVC and cast iron for sewage systems, so the waste management is becoming more reliable and safer.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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