Is That Textured Ceiling Putting Your Health at Risk?
Popcorn ceilings — popular in homes built between the 1950s and 1980s — often contain asbestos, a known carcinogen. While these textured ceilings helped hide imperfections and absorb sound, they can become hazardous when disturbed by renovation, water damage, or even aging.
Common Question: Do all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos?
Not all, but many do. Especially those installed before 1985. The only way to know for sure is through lab testing of a ceiling material sample.
History and Use of Asbestos in Popcorn Ceilings
During the mid-20th century, builders commonly used asbestos in spray-on ceiling textures for its strength, fire resistance, and acoustic dampening. Unfortunately, the dangers weren’t widely recognized until decades later.
Why It Was Used
Affordable and easy to apply
Excellent fire resistance
Effective at noise reduction
Covered ceiling flaws cheaply
Why It’s Dangerous Now
As the material ages, it can deteriorate
Minor ceiling cracks or bumps can release fibers
Asbestos dust is invisible and deadly when inhaled
Statistic: Popcorn ceilings installed before 1985 have a 70% chance of containing asbestos.
Source: EPA – Asbestos and Your Home
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos fibers can remain airborne for hours after disturbance. Once inhaled, they lodge in the lungs and can lead to serious, often incurable diseases:
Mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining)
Asbestosis (lung scarring that restricts breathing)
Lung cancer (especially in smokers)
Pleural plaques and long-term respiratory issues
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even short-term exposure can lead to long-term health consequences.
How to Identify Asbestos in Popcorn Ceilings
You can’t confirm asbestos just by looking — lab testing is required. If your Chicago home was built before 1985 and still has a popcorn ceiling, consider:
Hiring a certified inspector for sample collection
Avoiding disturbance (no sanding, scraping, or drilling)
Checking for water stains or deterioration, which increases airborne risk
At EHC Industries, we conduct non-invasive asbestos testing and provide same-day lab results.
Safe Removal and Abatement Options
If asbestos is confirmed, removal should never be done by an untrained individual. We follow federal and Illinois guidelines for safe abatement, which includes:
Sealing off the room using negative air pressure
Wetting the ceiling to minimize dust
Careful scraping and immediate containment
HEPA-filtered cleanup and disposal at licensed facilities
We also offer encapsulation options for homeowners who prefer to seal asbestos in place rather than remove it entirely.
Statistic: Asbestos removal mishandled by DIYers increases airborne fiber levels by over 1,000%.
Source: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
Legal Considerations in Illinois
In Illinois, asbestos removal is regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). For any multi-family, rental, or commercial property, only licensed abatement contractors can legally remove asbestos.
Homeowners in single-family residences may legally do it themselves — but must still follow EPA and local guidelines. Failure to do so may lead to fines, contamination, and serious health risks.
Don’t Take Chances With Popcorn Ceilings
Whether you’re planning a ceiling renovation or simply want peace of mind, proper testing and removal of asbestos are essential. The health risks of ignoring a potentially dangerous ceiling are far too high.
Schedule a Popcorn Ceiling Asbestos Test Today
Serving Chicago, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, Skokie, and surrounding areas, EHC Industries offers fast, certified testing and safe removal services.
