Do Popcorn Ceilings Contain Asbestos?
When Was Asbestos Used in Ceiling Textures?
Before regulations tightened in the late 1980s, asbestos was commonly added to popcorn ceiling mixtures for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. If your home or commercial building was constructed or renovated between 1945 and 1980, there’s a high chance your ceiling texture may contain asbestos fibers.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), any popcorn ceiling installed before 1986 should be treated as a potential asbestos risk unless tested by a certified professional source.
Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos becomes dangerous when disturbed. Sanding, scraping, drilling, or even cleaning an old popcorn ceiling can release microscopic fibers into the air. Once inhaled, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause long-term health conditions, including:
Mesothelioma
Asbestosis
Lung cancer
The World Health Organization estimates that over 107,000 people die annually from asbestos-related diseases source.
Asbestos Acoustic Ceiling
Identifying a Suspect Ceiling
It’s not always possible to determine asbestos content by visual inspection. That’s why any popcorn or “acoustic” ceiling that predates 1990 should be tested before renovations begin. Some characteristics of asbestos-containing ceilings include:
Soft, chalky texture
White or off-white color
Easily crumbles or flakes when touched
Testing and Inspection Services in Chicago
In Illinois, only licensed professionals are allowed to collect and test material for asbestos. At EHC Industries, we offer:
Certified asbestos testing
Material sample analysis
On-site inspection reports
Abatement planning & compliance
We serve both residential and commercial clients in Chicago, Oak Brook, Joliet, Arlington Heights, Aurora, and beyond.
Commercial Asbestos Removal
Why Businesses Need to Take It Seriously
Commercial buildings in Chicago built before the 1980s are especially at risk. These properties often have multiple layers of ceiling tiles, insulation, or acoustic spray coatings that may harbor asbestos.
Businesses are required to comply with OSHA and Illinois EPA regulations for asbestos removal. Failure to do so can result in:
Hefty fines
Workplace exposure liabilities
Shut-downs for remediation
Industries We Serve
At EHC Industries, we’ve handled commercial asbestos abatement projects for:
Retail centers
Healthcare facilities
Office buildings
Schools and universities
Industrial warehouses
We ensure safe removal with minimal disruption to operations, and we manage the entire process from permitting to proper disposal.
Industrial Asbestos Removal
Safe Solutions for Large-Scale Properties
For factories, manufacturing plants, and large-scale warehouses across Chicago and the Midwest, asbestos removal becomes even more complex. These sites often have sprayed insulation, cement sheets, pipe wraps, and aging acoustic ceilings—all potential asbestos sources.
Our Industrial Abatement Process
At EHC Industries, we follow a strict industrial-grade remediation protocol:
Site containment and air filtration
Wet removal methods to prevent fiber release
Proper bagging, labeling, and hazardous waste disposal
Post-removal air quality testing and clearance reports
Our crews are licensed, bonded, and insured, and we meet or exceed all OSHA and Illinois Department of Public Health standards.
Trust Chicago’s Local Asbestos Experts
Whether you’re renovating your home or managing a commercial property, don’t risk exposure to asbestos in your ceilings. EHC Industries is Chicago’s trusted asbestos abatement partner, with over a decade of experience protecting homeowners, business owners, and contractors alike.
Schedule Your Free Asbestos Inspection Today
If you suspect asbestos in your popcorn ceiling—or any ceiling in your building—contact EHC Industries today for a free consultation. We proudly serve:
Chicago
Cicero
Oak Brook
Schaumburg
Naperville
And surrounding suburbs
Don’t wait—safe, certified asbestos removal starts with a professional inspection.
