Popcorn ceilings, once a popular interior design trend, are now a source of concern for many homeowners and buyers. Known for their textured, cottage-cheese-like appearance, these ceilings were favored in homes built from the 1950s through the 1980s for their ability to hide imperfections and dampen sound. However, what many don't realize is that beneath that bumpy surface could be a hidden health hazard: asbestos.
If your home has popcorn ceilings, it’s worth taking the time to understand the risks and know the signs that may indicate the presence of asbestos.
Asbestos was once a common additive in building materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. In popcorn ceilings, it was used to strengthen the texture material and make it more durable. Unfortunately, asbestos is now known to be a dangerous carcinogen. When disturbed, it releases tiny fibers into the air that can be inhaled, potentially leading to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Learn more about why asbestos is dangerous.
Because of these health risks, asbestos-containing materials have been banned in new products in many countries, including the U.S. However, older homes may still contain materials manufactured before these regulations took effect. Read more about common asbestos issues in a home.
If your home was built between the 1950s and the early 1980s, there is a higher chance that the popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. By the mid-1980s, many manufacturers had voluntarily stopped using asbestos in ceiling textures, but it wasn’t officially banned for use in textured paints and coatings until 1977. Even then, materials already in stock were used for years afterward.
If your home was built:
The only definitive way to determine whether your ceiling contains asbestos is through lab testing, but there are a few signs that may warrant extra caution:
As mentioned, homes built or remodeled before the mid-1980s are more likely to have asbestos in textured ceilings. If you don’t know the construction year, property records or a home inspection report may help.
If the ceiling is deteriorating, flaking, or showing signs of wear and tear, asbestos fibers may be more likely to become airborne. Avoid disturbing these areas until professional testing is completed.
Stains or water damage can weaken the ceiling texture and increase the risk of fibers becoming airborne. These ceilings are particularly hazardous if damaged.
If you recently purchased a home and there’s no documentation confirming asbestos testing or abatement during prior renovations, it’s safer to assume that testing is needed.
Previous repairs involving patching, drilling, or cutting into the ceiling could have released asbestos fibers. Any past disturbances are a red flag. Learn how to identify and mitigate these risks.
If you think your popcorn ceiling might contain asbestos, do not try to remove or disturb it yourself. Inhaling even a small amount of asbestos dust can be harmful. Here are the steps to follow:
Avoid scraping, sanding, or poking at the ceiling. Seal off the room if necessary to prevent fibers from spreading.
Only a trained professional can safely collect a sample for laboratory testing. They will use proper containment procedures and safety gear.
If asbestos is confirmed, you’ll have two main choices:
Both options have pros and cons, and your decision may depend on your renovation plans, health concerns, and local regulations.
DIY removal of asbestos-containing materials is never recommended. Not only is it dangerous, but in many areas, it’s also illegal to remove asbestos without proper training and certification. Licensed professionals follow strict safety procedures, including air filtration, protective suits, and specialized disposal methods. Attempting to scrape or sand a popcorn ceiling yourself, without knowing whether it contains asbestos, can create a hazardous cloud of microscopic fibers in your home, posing long-term health risks to you and your family. If you're in the area, check out our Millersburg, OH asbestos services or explore our full list of service locations.
Popcorn ceilings may seem like a harmless design relic, but they could be hiding a serious health risk if they contain asbestos. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, it’s important to stay vigilant. Keep an eye out for signs of damage, avoid disturbing the ceiling, and seek professional help if you’re planning renovations.
When it comes to asbestos, knowledge and caution go a long way. Testing for asbestos before making any changes to your popcorn ceiling ensures you can move forward with peace of mind and with safety at the forefront.
At Farsight Management we understand that not all indoor air quality companies are created equal.
We feel that it is imperative to educate ourselves, our employees, and our customers. You can trust that we follow all the national standards in regards to indoor air quality. This includes mold remediation, lead abatement, asbestos removal, and everything that we do.