Is it safe to live with asbestos ceiling?

Author: Malvina Torp  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

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.

Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos ceilings?

Yes, sleeping in a room with asbestos in the ceiling and walls can be dangerous, especially if the asbestos is damaged or deteriorating. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and inhaling its fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Should I be worried about asbestos in my ceiling?

It's only dangerous when it's friable. That means it's being pulverized/sanded/otherwise disturbed in a fashion that allows the fibers to become airborne. Asbestos sitting in a ceiling, undisturbed is 0 threat to you or your family. It's not like it's radioactive or something like that.

Is it okay to live in a house with a popcorn ceiling?

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.

Can you sleep in a room with asbestos?

If you think asbestos may be in your home, don't panic! Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. THERE IS NO DANGER unless fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs.

Understanding Asbestos Safety | Ask This Old House

How serious is one time asbestos exposure?

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.

Do all popcorn ceilings have asbestos?

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.

How to tell if a ceiling is asbestos?

If your ceiling tiles have a manufacturing date or if you have documents from the installation, you should check to see if the tiles were made before or after 1989. You can also check to see if the manufacturer ever produced asbestos products. If they did not, you are in the clear regardless of year.

Would a house built in 1979 have asbestos?

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.

How much does it cost to remove a popcorn ceiling?

According to painting experts, popcorn ceiling removal costs range from $1,923 to $3,876 with an average price of $2,899 to hire a professional. The average sqft cost to remove popcorn ceilings ranges from $5 to $9 per square foot. This includes all labor, preparation work, and materials to do the job right.

How long does asbestos stay in the air?

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.

How to tell if a house has asbestos?

5 Signs of Asbestos You Need to Know
  1. Older Homes. Most homes built prior to 1980s contain materials with a high asbestos content. ...
  2. Vinyl Flooring or Sheeting. Vinyl flooring tiles with millboard or paper were often made of asbestos. ...
  3. Corrugated Roofing. ...
  4. Cement Sheets. ...
  5. Cement Water Tanks.

What to do if you disturb asbestos?

If you are not licensed to work with asbestos, and you are worried that you have accidentally disturbed an asbestos containing material – you should stop work immediately and evacuate both yourself and anyone else working in the area. You should evacuate the area as quickly as possible, providing it is safe to do so.

Can you sell a house with asbestos ceiling?

Asbestos does not always need to be removed before a sale. If the material is in good condition and poses no immediate risk (e.g., it is contained and undisturbed), sellers can disclose its presence without taking further action.

What are the first signs of asbestosis?

The most common symptoms are:
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Persistent dry cough.
  • Chest tightness or chest pain.
  • Weight loss from loss of appetite.
  • A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while breathing in.
  • Wider and rounder than normal fingertips and toes (clubbing)

Can I sue my landlord for asbestos exposure?

In short, Yes. You can sue your landlord if they knowingly or negligently failed to disclose the existence of asbestos in your rental property and you suffered from asbestos exposure.

Can you live in a house with asbestos?

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.

Does insurance cover asbestos removal?

Asbestos abatement and remediation are not generally covered by home insurance. However, due to the potential health risks, it's important to have knowledgeable professionals inspect an older home before major work is done.

What does asbestos drywall look like?

You can't identify asbestos sheetrock visually because it will look similar to modern alternatives. But among the signs that may indicate that your wall is made of sheetrock asbestos are if the building was built before the 1980s and if the walls are deteriorating.

How common is asbestos in ceilings?

Most popcorn ceilings applied before 1980 or so have between 1 and 10 percent asbestos content. While asbestos doesn't pose much of a risk when it's undisturbed, if it begins to crumble or if you sand it down and remodel, the airborne particles can be incredibly hazardous.

How long does it take for asbestos to affect you?

It may take five to 20 years before symptoms develop. The accumulated, inhaled asbestos fibres produce scarring (fibrosis) of the lung. The lung develops a 'honeycomb' appearance. The scar tissue, or 'fibrosis', is hard and inflexible – this makes the lungs stiffen and stops them working properly.

How to get rid of asbestos ceilings?

When removing Asbestos ceiling materials, our highly trained professionals seal off the area, creating an airtight space to capture particles. If deemed necessary, air monitoring practices may be employed to guarantee that the area is safe for reoccupation once the Asbestos has been removed.

What does an asbestos ceiling look like?

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.

Is it worth removing asbestos popcorn ceiling?

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.

How to test for asbestos in a ceiling?

The only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a qualified laboratory.

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