Popcorn Ceilings and Testing for Asbestos Exposure Risks

Countless homes and buildings were constructed in the decades leading up to the 1980s that were made with popcorns ceilings. This once popular way to quickly texture a ceiling has fallen out of favor with property owners and renters, resulting in many being converted to a smooth surface.

Unfortunately, many of these aging popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. In addition to popcorn ceilings, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists ceiling tiles, sprayed-on materials like soundproofing or decorative material, patching and joint compounds, and textured paints as materials that all could contain asbestos. As these materials age and become friable, or are disturbed during renovation and demolition activities, people could be exposed to asbestos fibers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns the general public that one cannot tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, CPSC says to treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional.

“It’s always a good idea to have a popcorn ceiling and many other suspect materials tested for asbestos before any renovation or remodeling projects begin,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “In some instances, health and safety regulations may require it. This is important because exposure to asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. If test results indicate the presence of asbestos, properly qualified asbestos removal professionals can then safely handle the situation so that no workers, building occupants or family members are put at risk.”

EMSL Analytical, with a network of coast-to-coast laboratories in the United States and Canada, provides comprehensive asbestos testing services and sampling supplies. They also offer easy-to-use test kits to sample for asbestos, lead and other common exposure risks found in homes, schools and other buildings.

To learn more about testing for asbestos or other building science, industrial hygiene, environmental, health or safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . For access to asbestos and other indoor environmental quality test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail