What Is A Popcorn Ceiling?
Popcorn ceilings are a style of ceiling that were popular in the 20th century. These ceilings have a textured, bumpy appearance that resembles popcorn, hence the name. The texture of a popcorn ceiling helps hide imperfections and makes the ceiling more soundproof, which is why they were a common choice for many years. The problem with popcorn ceilings is that many ceilings in this style contain asbestos, a material that can be affecting the health of the residents living in homes with these ceiling styles!
Do Popcorn Ceilings Contain Asbestos?
The large majority of popcorn ceilings that were constructed in the 1980’s and earlier contain asbestos. Asbestos was used in the construction of popcorn ceilings because of the fact that it was inexpensive, fire resistant, and durable. Unfortunately, this means that when an old popcorn ceiling begins to deteriorate, it is likely exposing the family living in the home to the harmful effects of asbestos exposure.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was commonly used in building materials, including popcorn ceilings. The use of asbestos was banned in 1989 due to the harmful effects that exposure to this material had been proven to cause, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Should I Test For Asbestos?
If you live in a home that was built before 1989, it’s a good idea for the health and safety of you and your family to test for asbestos, especially if there are warning signs like popcorn ceilings or if you are planning a renovation. If you plan on removing or scraping off the popcorn ceiling in your home, it is absolutely crucial that you test it for asbestos before doing so! For a free asbestos testing service estimate in Massachusetts, please contact our team at DCM Environmental Testing Co. today!
How To Remove Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos fibers can be extremely harmful to humans, so any removal efforts should always be handled by an experienced professional. These professionals are well equipped and trained to safely remove and dispose of the asbestos-containing materials without putting occupants of the home or building at risk.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is very dangerous to your health and can cause a number of life-threatening illnesses. When asbestos is inhaled it gets stuck in the lungs and blocks the airway which causes difficulty in breathing and several diseases in the lungs. Some diseases related to repeated exposure to asbestos fibers include:
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Ovarian cancer
- Pleuritis
- Diffuse pleural thickening
- Laryngeal cancer
Contact DCM Environmental For Asbestos Testing Services in Massachusetts!
If you believe your home contains asbestos, it's crucial for the health and safety of your family to test for it as soon as possible! At DCM Environmental, we provide Massachusetts and the surrounding region with professional, unbiased testing services for asbestos and other hazardous materials. Contact us today to get a free asbestos testing estimate by calling us at (617) 481-5782 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
