removing popcorn ceiling - testing for asbestos?

wmdcookes · 07-17-2011, 04:18 PM

I have been researching how to remove a popcorn ceiling, and it seems pretty straightforward. But I did read that I should have it tested for asbestos. Our house was built in '77, so it's certainly plausible. How do I do this?

Workaholic · 07-17-2011, 07:15 PM

You can call a lab and have a sample tested

There is also this test by a drywall guy I know from other forums but the below needed to have the disclaimer added.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt-sheetrock

One thing you can try is this,,,,

Disclaimer: I am not an asbestos police policy person

But I have been spraying this junk forever,,,,

Take a 6" or so knife, and scrap the popcorn, IF you reveal brown spots (cork) you are dealing with asbestos. If you don't, that means the "popcorns" are styrofoam, and you are not dealing with asbestos.

As i said, this is not an "approved" test, but it will let you know if you want to deal with it or not.

jsheridan · 07-17-2011, 08:02 PM

Isn't the popcorn so saturated in the removal process that airborne dust isn't an issue?

Dean CRCNA · 07-17-2011, 11:41 PM

Asbestos in popcorn is a possibility and should be checked by a lab. One good lab is http://www.emsl.com/. While you are at it, it would hurt to take another sample and test for lead content.

Call your nearest lab and they can probably let you know more about it.

You could also contact an environmental consultant.

chrisn · 07-18-2011, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsheridan

Isn't the popcorn so saturated in the removal process that airborne dust isn't an issue?

Never has been for me.

stoner529 · 08-07-2011, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean CRCNA

Asbestos in popcorn is a possibility and should be checked by a lab. One good lab is http://www.emsl.com/. While you are at it, it would hurt to take another sample and test for lead content.

Call your nearest lab and they can probably let you know more about it.

You could also contact an environmental consultant.

You scrape a small section into a bag. Take it to emsl, as i do all the time when i have a home in question that i remove the popcorn. Lucky for me there is a lab 15 minutes from the office. I think the stupidest advice anyone can give is "just remove the asbestos yourself". I can never figure our why humans can be so stupid as to do something that can possibly give you cancer. who wants that stuff.

07-17-2011, 04:18 PM	#1
wmdcookes Newbie Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 20	removing popcorn ceiling - testing for asbestos? I have been researching how to remove a popcorn ceiling, and it seems pretty straightforward. But I did read that I should have it tested for asbestos. Our house was built in '77, so it's certainly plausible. How do I do this?

07-17-2011, 08:02 PM	#3
jsheridan Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Cape May, NJ Posts: 2,393	removing popcorn ceiling - testing for asbestos? Isn't the popcorn so saturated in the removal process that airborne dust isn't an issue? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

07-17-2011, 11:41 PM	#4
Dean CRCNA Environmental Health Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dallas Area Posts: 43	removing popcorn ceiling - testing for asbestos? Asbestos in popcorn is a possibility and should be checked by a lab. One good lab is http://www.emsl.com/. While you are at it, it would hurt to take another sample and test for lead content. Call your nearest lab and they can probably let you know more about it. You could also contact an environmental consultant.

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removing popcorn ceiling - testing for asbestos?