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’s what you can do to protect your home and family:

  • Check When Your Home Was Built. Homes and apartments built before the mid-1980s are more likely to have popcorn ceilings made with asbestos.
  • Look for Signs of Damage. Watch for water damage, cracks, or areas where the texture is falling away. Document any damage with photos, but don’t attempt repairs yourself.
  • Avoid Disturbances. Keep your ceiling undisturbed and avoid hanging decorations, installing new fixtures, or making any modifications that could create dust.
  • Hire a Professional. If you need definite answers about your popcorn ceiling, contact your local health department to find certified asbestos inspectors.

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 Asbestos 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.

Did You Know?

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. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 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.

“Sprayed-on asbestos-containing material on walls and ceilings should not be disturbed in any way by the homeowner.”
– U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

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:

  1. Inform anyone working in your home so they can take appropriate precautions.
  2. Avoid using tape, screws, or nails in the ceiling.
  3. Don’t scrape or touch the ceiling, as this can release asbestos fibers into the air.
  4. Make sure not to install shelving that connects with the ceiling.
  5. 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.

Get Compensation for an Asbestos-Related Disease

You may be owed money if you became ill after asbestos exposure.

Get a Free Case Review

Free Case Review

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 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.

We Can Help You Pursue 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.

Asbestos Guide
Download Asbestos Products GuideFree 2025 Asbestos Guide
  • Asbestos safety information
  • Products containing asbestos
  • Common exposure risks

Get Your Free Guide

Laura WrightWritten by:

Lead Editor

Laura Wright is a journalist and content strategist with more than 17 years of professional experience. She attended college at the University of Florida, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2008. Her writing has been featured in The Gainesville Sun and other regional publications throughout Florida.

Our Promise to You
Our Promise to You
References
  1. Bob Vila. (n.d.) All You Need to Know About Popcorn Ceilings Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.bobvila.com/articles/popcorn-ceilings/
  2. Dahlgren, J. G., & Talbott, P. J. (2016). Lung cancer from asbestos textured ceilings: a case study. International journal of occupational and environmental health. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4984962/
  3. Inspection Perfection. (n.d.) Asbestos Containing Popcorn Ceiling in Commercial Residential Buildings. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from http://www.inspection-perfection.com/asbestos-in-popcorn-ceilings.html#.W09xwdJKiUk
  4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.) Asbestos. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.osha.gov/asbestos
  5. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. (n.d.). Asbestos in the Home. Retrieved July 26, 2024, from https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/home/asbestos-home

Get Your Free 2025 Mesothelioma Guide

  • Symptoms & staging
  • Average prognosis
  • Life-extending treatments
Get Your Free Guide Now
4th Edition of Free Mesothelioma Guide