Lately, it’s been a trend to DIY removing your popcorn ceiling – with social media sites like TikTok even boasting tags like “Removing Popcorn Ceiling Hacks”! However, popcorn ceilings can be dangerous to address on your own if you don’t know the risks. Overall evidence suggests there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, according to the National Cancer Institute. Understanding whether your ceiling contains asbestos is crucial for your lung safety.
As professional asbestos abatement specialists, we’re prepared to answer your questions about asbestos in popcorn ceilings.
What is a popcorn ceiling?
A popcorn ceiling, also known as an acoustic or stucco ceiling, is a textured surface finish applied to ceilings. It gained popularity from the 1950s to the 1980s for its ability to hide imperfections and provide soundproofing.
Popcorn ceilings were also popular due to their ease of application: they could simply be sprayed on, which was much less time-consuming and cost-effective than getting a ceiling painted.
Why did popcorn ceilings have asbestos in them?
Before we understood the dangers that asbestos poses to human health, it was common to use asbestos in all kinds of building materials: insulation, roof tiling, even pipes!
Asbestos was known to be fire-resistant, and it was also known to add strength to building materials. It was used to try and reduce the likelihood of a house fire, so residential applications were extremely common since we simply thought asbestos was a cost-effective way to enhance the durability and safety of building materials.
However, in the 1980s, the discovery of health risks associated with asbestos led to its decline. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are well-known effects of asbestos exposure.
Do new popcorn ceilings still contain asbestos?
If you’re in a new building and know when your popcorn ceilings were built, you’re probably safe. After the dangers of asbestos became widely known, its use in popcorn ceilings was largely discontinued in the late 1970s.
In general, modern popcorn ceilings do not contain asbestos. You can safely add or remove popcorn ceilings in new builds without having to worry about exposure. However, homes built before 1980 may still have ceilings with asbestos, making it important to get testing before any renovations.
How to tell if your popcorn ceilings have asbestos
To determine if your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos, you can start by checking the construction date of your home. If it was built before 1980, there’s a possibility of asbestos. The safest way to confirm is to hire a professional to collect a sample and have it tested in a lab. DIY testing is not recommended, as disturbing the ceiling can release harmful asbestos fibers into the air – which will go into your lungs.
How to remove asbestos from your popcorn ceiling
If your ceiling does contain asbestos, removal should be handled by certified professionals. Look for asbestos abatement services, ideally offered by a company that has up-to-date on certifications in Regulation 8 with CDPHE. They will follow strict safety protocols to remove and dispose of the material without contaminating your home.
Never attempt to remove asbestos-containing materials yourself, as improper handling can pose serious health risks. You don’t want to be one of the victims of mesothelioma or lung cancer due to DIYing your ceiling!
Asbestos abatement professionals in Colorado
Are you based in Colorado and seeking asbestos abatement? Mile High Environmental Services is a Colorado-based emergency restoration company that aims to remove health hazards of all types from residential and commercial spaces. We pride ourselves on having in-depth asbestos abatement experience, from abating residential homes to removing asbestos from a military base. See our service area, spanning from Boulder to Denver and the surrounding communities. Contact us today for elite asbestos abatement services.
If you suspect your ceiling contains asbestos, contact your local abatement professionals to assess and address the situation. By understanding the risks associated with popcorn ceilings and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure your home remains a safe and healthy environment.
