Do Popcorn Ceilings Have Asbestos?
Most popcorn ceilings were made with asbestos before the dangers of this deadly material were widely known. Between the 1950s and 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in construction materials for its fire-resistant properties.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Age of the Building. Homes and apartments built before the mid-1980s are more likely to have popcorn ceilings made with asbestos.
- Local Regulations. Many cities and states have specific regulations on the removal and handling of asbestos-containing materials. It’s best to consult with licensed professionals for help if your popcorn ceiling has asbestos.
- Safety Precautions. If you think your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos, avoid disturbing it. Asbestos fibers can be harmful if you breathe them in.
- Testing. The only way to be sure if a popcorn ceiling has asbestos is to have it tested by a certified professional, who can recommend next steps to keep you and your family safe.
It’s important to stay informed about the health risks of asbestos exposure and take the needed precautions to protect your home.
Is There Asbestos in Popcorn Ceilings Still?
In some cases, yes. The use of asbestos in popcorn ceilings was banned in the United States in 1978. Even after the 1978 ban, however, manufacturers were allowed to use up their existing stocks of asbestos-containing products.
Homes built or renovated before the mid-1980s could still have asbestos in their popcorn ceilings.
Download our Free Guide now to learn more about popcorn ceilings and asbestos and what to do if you’ve been exposed.
Are Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings Safe?
Often dubbed a “sleeping monster,” asbestos found in building materials does not pose a risk until it’s damaged or disturbed.
At that point, it becomes extremely dangerous, putting anyone who breathes in or swallows asbestos fibers at risk for deadly diseases such as mesothelioma.
If the popcorn ceilings in your home are in good shape, they’re likely safe. However, if you notice damage — or if you plan to make renovations that might disturb the popcorn ceilings — you will need to act quickly.
Asbestos popcorn ceilings can be disturbed during renovations and normal wear and tear and, as a result, release dangerous fibers into the air.
Even one exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of asbestos-related diseases.
How to Tell If Popcorn Ceiling Has Asbestos
Since asbestos fibers are so tiny, they might not be visible to the naked eye. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that homeowners do not touch the ceiling and instead look for tears, abrasions, or water damage.
If you see any damage or you are planning a home renovation, you can hire a trusted professional to test your popcorn ceiling for asbestos. If asbestos is found in your popcorn ceiling, you can work with a contractor to begin the removal process.
Need help navigating asbestos popcorn ceiling removal? Our team is here to help — call us at (866) 608-8933 now.
Managing Asbestos in Your Popcorn Ceiling: 5 Tips
If you learn your popcorn ceiling does contain asbestos, follow these 5 tips:
- Inform anyone working in your home so they can take appropriate precautions.
- Avoid using tape, screws, or nails in the ceiling.
- Don’t scrape or touch the ceiling, as this can release asbestos fibers into the air.
- Make sure not to install shelving that connects with the ceiling.
- Avoid using bunk beds in a room with an asbestos popcorn ceiling.
You may be eligible for financial compensation if you’ve been exposed to asbestos from a popcorn ceiling and later developed mesothelioma or another related disease. Get a Free Asbestos Case Review to learn more.
How to Remove Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings
If you decide to have your asbestos popcorn ceiling removed, make sure to hire someone who will take proper precautions and follow the safety guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A professional asbestos removal specialist will take these protective steps:
- Remove furniture.
- Seal windows and doors.
- Turn off fans.
- Close AC vents.
- Cover light fixtures with plastic.
- Keep people and pets out of the area.
- Wear protective gear.
- Place asbestos material in sealed waste bags.
- Arrange disposal services.
Removing asbestos without a professional’s help can cause it to become airborne and put everyone in your home in danger.
Pursuing Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
Many people have developed asbestos-related diseases as a direct result of working with or around asbestos popcorn ceilings.
If you or a loved one were exposed and later developed an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Call (866) 608-8933 to speak with us or request a free case review. We can listen to your story and help you determine what steps to take next.
