What might homes built before 1973 likely contain?

Homes built before 1973 are likely to contain asbestos due to its widespread use in building materials during that time. Asbestos was commonly incorporated in insulation, roofing shingles, flooring tiles, and other construction products because of its heat resistance and insulating properties. However, by the early 1970s, health concerns regarding asbestos exposure led to significant regulations restricting its use. Therefore, properties constructed before these regulations may still have materials that contain asbestos, posing potential health risks if not managed properly.

The other materials mentioned, such as acrylic paints, fiberglass insulation, and concrete mixtures, either have different histories regarding their use or were less common in residential construction during that period. For example, while acrylic paints did exist, they weren't predominant until later years, and fiberglass insulation became more widely used after the introduction of regulations concerning asbestos. Concrete mixtures do not typically contain asbestos, so they do not carry the same concerns as other materials from before 1973.