Asbestos popcorn ceilings are also known as acoustic ceilings. They were extremely popular and frequently used in homes built between the late 1950s and the early 1980s. It might have been just one of many trends that come and go, but the reason why this type of ceiling was in such high demand was primarily due to its sound damping properties. Further to that, it was easily installed and perfect to cover up an uneven surface. Due to it's rough structure, asbestos popcorn ceilings where hard to clean, but that actually wasn't the major problem encountered with the material. Because of the high content of asbestos fibers, concerns grew about the safety of being exposed to such ceilings.

Asbestos is a widespread occurrence and can still be found in a wide spectrum of building and constructions. Because of its outstanding thermal qualities it was prominent bi-product for roofing shingles, cement, tiling paint and a whole host of insulators. Very often, instead of removing the ceiling, a coat of paint was put over the asbestos ceiling to prevent the material from releasing its toxic asbestos fibers into the air. This may resolve the issue in the short term, however, does not represent a permanent solution to the underlying problem. As the material starts to deteriorate or if it gets damaged, chances are that the air on site will get contaminated which poses an increased heath risk. If the asbestos particles are being inhaled and become lodged inside the lungs, the development of a variety of severe and fatal illnesses can be triggered. Asbestosis, kidney cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma are the health conditions that are primarily associated with asbestos exposure.


Asbestos Popcorn Ceiling

The removal of asbestos popcorn ceiling is something that should be done by specialized asbestos contractors. This project requires certain safety measures and the adequate protection gear to carry out the job without putting people on site at danger.

In a first step a licensed asbestos testing company can be hired to thoroughly evaluate the premises and conduct an air monitoring test. If the test confirms the presence of the hazardous asbestos particles in the air, the material should be removed promptly. Again, it is recommended that homeowners stay away from doing the project in a do-it-yourself manner and rather hire an asbestos abatement company. Ask for an estimate before you hire a contractor so you know upfront how much the removal will cost you. But either way, if asbestos is in the air, you need to get the situation straightened out. As a kidney cancer patient and husband of a wife with breast cancer, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of not being exposed to any kind of environmental toxins. It is absolutely possible that my kidney cancer was cause by asbestos exposure.