Five Construction Eras, Five Risk Profiles

Every construction era has its typical pollutants. Depending on when a building was built, the likelihood, type and severity of contamination varies considerably. Select your construction era for a detailed overview:

Before 1945 — Historic & Pre-War Buildings
Lead in water pipes and paints, PAH in adhesives, wood preservatives in roof structures. No asbestos, but other risks.
1945–1960 — Post-War Construction
Reconstruction with salvaged materials. Early asbestos use, lead pipes, PAH-containing adhesives and first wood preservatives.
1960–1980 — The High-Risk Era
The most pollutant-laden construction era: asbestos, PCB, PAH, MMF and wood preservatives were all used simultaneously and on a massive scale.
1980–1990 — Transitional Period
First bans take effect, but asbestos was legal until 1990. Old MMF insulation still in use until 1996. PCB residues possible.
After 1990 — New Builds
Classic pollutants are excluded. New challenges: VOC from building materials, formaldehyde, radon from the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common building pollutants are asbestos (in buildings before 1990), PAH (black parquet adhesive from the 1960s–1970s), PCB (sealants in prefabricated concrete buildings), lead (water pipes and paints before 1970), MMF (old mineral wool before 1996), wood preservatives (PCP, lindane in roof structures) and radon (natural ground gas, varies by construction year).

Yes, the construction year is the most important indicator of likely pollutant exposure. Buildings from the 1960s–1980s are the most heavily affected. Older buildings (before 1945) tend to have lead and wood preservatives; new builds (after 1990) mainly VOC and radon.

Before purchasing a property, before any renovation or refurbishment, if you are experiencing health issues, or if the building is in a radon protection zone. A free initial consultation will clarify whether and which investigations are worthwhile.