Asbestos in Popcorn Ceilings: Detection, Safety Risk, Removal

Asbestos in Popcorn Ceilings

Asbestos was used in popcorn ceilings from the 1950s to the 1980s. It can cause serious health issues. Hiring a licensed professional is the best way to remove popcorn ceilings. This approach reduces the risk of exposure and contamination.

Written by Michelle Whitmer | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: November 15, 2024

Do Popcorn Ceilings Contain Asbestos?

Popcorn ceilings made before 1980 might contain asbestos. This mineral poses a serious health risk. If untouched, these ceilings are generally safe. But over time, the material may begin to deteriorate. If this happens or it becomes disturbed, it could cause airborne asbestos to drop into living spaces.

Use of asbestos in textured ceiling materials was at its peak from around 1945 through 1980. Popcorn ceilings contained asbestos for its resistance to heat and corrosion.

Asbestos is no longer added to popcorn ceilings because it’s a known health risk. The chances of your ceiling containing asbestos are low for any installations in the late 1980s or after. Newly constructed ceilings don’t use asbestos.

Should I Test for Asbestos in my Popcorn Ceilings?

If your popcorn ceiling is older and likely to contain asbestos, you may want to have it tested. You can’t tell if a ceiling contains asbestos just from its appearance or age. Testing is the only way to know for sure.

Asbestos is safe when undisturbed. Yet, simple actions can release its harmful dust. For instance, adding hooks, cleaning, killing bugs or kids kicking the ceiling can cause asbestos fibers to come loose. If this happens, it could lead to harmful exposure.

Asbestos Testing Procedure

Hire a licensed asbestos professional to conduct an inspection.
The professional will send the samples to a lab for analysis.
You’ll receive a survey report with the test results.

Testing for asbestos with a DIY kit is possible, but not recommended. Consumers can take samples of the suspect material and send them to labs for testing using the kits. This method isn’t as accurate and increases your risk of asbestos exposure.

Associated Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is known to cause cancer, leading to diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. People can inhale its toxic fibers, which can stay in the lungs for decades. This causes inflammation and scarring, and it can result in cancer and other health issues.

Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. While there are treatments for malignant mesothelioma, there is no cure. Swallowing or inhaling asbestos fibers can also cause other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestosis
Diffuse pleural thickening
Laryngeal cancer
Lung cancer
Mesothelioma
Ovarian cancer
Pleural effusions
Pleural plaques
Pleuritis

The first signs of asbestos exposure are symptoms of related diseases. These symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, a dry cough and wheezing. Unfortunately, no signs appear before the disease develops.

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Removing Asbestos Popcorn Ceilings

Improperly handling asbestos puts you and others at risk. If you have asbestos in your home, hire a licensed asbestos abatement professional.

Laws help regulate asbestos handling to protect health. Removing it yourself can put you and your loved ones at risk of developing a serious illness. You may also face fines or other penalties.

Key Tips for Having Asbestos Removed

Verify the credentials and qualifications of any asbestos abatement company you’re considering hiring.
Ask for references from previous clients.
Discuss in detail how they approach removing asbestos from properties and how the process will impact you and your family before, during and after work.
Speak with more than one company to compare prices, approaches and timelines to find the best professional for your needs.

It’s safer to hire a professional for asbestos removal. Doing it yourself can be risky. Experts have the right equipment, filters and ensure good ventilation. They know how to remove asbestos according to regulations and safety measures that prevent further exposure throughout the home.

What Should I Do If I’m Exposed to Asbestos in a Popcorn Ceiling?

Inform your doctor of any exposure to asbestos and try to document the exposure event in detail. Keeping a detailed record of how and when exposure happened can help your doctor better understand your situation.

Let your doctor know if you work with popcorn ceilings often. Asbestos-related diseases take decades to develop from the point of exposure, so you likely won’t experience symptoms right away. Your doctor will monitor your health and may recommend regular mesothelioma screenings.

If you have an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, see a specialist. A Patient Advocate can help you find one. They also assist patients and families, connecting them to support groups and financial aid.

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The sources on all content featured in The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com include medical and scientific studies, peer-reviewed studies and other research documents from reputable organizations.