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.
It is older popcorn ceilings people need to be concerned about: Most popcorn ceilings that were applied before 1980 contain asbestos. If you own a home that was built before 1980, or your home had a significant remodel before 1980, there is a good chance the popcorn ceiling contains asbestos.
The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory. EPA only recommends testing suspect materials if they are damaged (fraying, crumbling) or if you are planning a renovation that would disturb the suspect material.
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.
Popcorn ceiling material has always been made both with and without Asbestos, and have often been replaced due to damage or discoloration, so the actual odds are closer to 50/50 even for an old house. Either way, it's completely safe unless the popcorn is disturbed.
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.
Popcorn ceiling's rough, bumpy texture easily accumulates dust, cobwebs, and other particles which makes it harder to clean, particularly rooms with high ceilings. Popcorn ceiling removal will improve the home's air quality because it will be easier to clean the ceiling and fewer particles will accumulate.
In the majority of homes, yes. Popcorn ceilings are easy to notice, and make homes look and feel dated. Removing them is a quick fix, but it's recommended to leave the work to a pro to ensure there's no asbestos contamination in the home.
One of the most worrying issues with asbestos is that in the event that it does get disturbed, it can be easily released into the air, and remain there for some time. It is thought that disturbed asbestos can stay airborne for as long as 48 to 72 hours before settling.
Homes built before the 1980s likely have asbestos in them. For instance, if these homes have popcorn ceilings or vinyl flooring, they may contain asbestos. A simple rule is the newer a home is, the less likely it has asbestos materials. Homes built before the 1980s are likely to contain the mineral somewhere.
Textured or 'popcorn ceilings' are quite common in homes or buildings built before 2000. These ceilings may contain asbestos, as it was mixed into the plaster to create the desired effect. It is important to note that not all textured ceilings contain asbestos.
Homes that have popcorn ceilings can most definitely raise concerns for potential buyers, both from a safety and aesthetic perspective. While intact popcorn ceilings may not pose an immediate danger, their dated appearance and association with asbestos can complicate home repairs and resale value.
If you think there may be asbestos in your home, don't panic. Asbestos-containing materials that aren't damaged or disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk. Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition.
Asbestos-containing popcorn ceilings often have a more rugged and denser appearance compared to non-asbestos varieties. They may also appear more mottled and less uniform in texture. Ceilings installed before the 1980s are also more likely to contain asbestos.
One-time exposure to asbestos can cause diseases, including mesothelioma cancer. Researchers have found repeated exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing asbestos-related cancers. The risk to individuals who have a one-time exposure to asbestos is generally lower compared to long-term or repeated exposure.
However, the EPA does not recommend testing asbestos yourself because it could expose you to its toxic airborne particles.
How to Tell If Your Popcorn Ceiling Has Asbestos? Unfortunately, we can't tell by just looking at the ceiling alone. You'll have to carefully scrape off a small sample and send it to an accredited laboratory.
Popcorn ceilings installed from 1945 until the early 1990s commonly contained asbestos. It was a popular spray-on ceiling material and contained 1% – 10% asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned asbestos in spray-on ceiling materials in 1973.
Once sorted, dispose of the debris either at your nearest landfill or recycling center depending on what types of materials are present. Recycling centers accept some forms of plasterboard while landfills will take most other types of waste including wood fiber components found in acoustic ceilings.
In addition to asbestos, the textured surface of popcorn ceilings can also collect dust and allergens, triggering allergies and respiratory problems. By removing popcorn ceilings, you eliminate these health risks and create a safer living environment.
Most homeowners spend between $927 and $3,043 to have popcorn ceilings removed, but your total cost could reach $5,706 or more if you have a larger home with higher ceilings. Below, we explore the different cost factors that will impact the total price you pay to remove this outdated feature.
If the asbestos in your popcorn ceiling is in good shape and not damaged, it usually won't release fibers. However, if you see any damage or abrasions, or if you're considering proceeding with a home renovation that could endanger the ceiling, you should have it removed.