If you look up at your ceilings and they have a popcorn-like texture to them, you may be at risk of asbestos exposure. While asbestos popcorn ceilings were a popular material during the mid-to-late 20th century, the effects of asbestos were widely unknown. As a result, homes built before 1985 with popcorn ceilings likely contain asbestos, posing a significant health hazard to you and your family. Before you start repairing or upgrading your ceiling, contact Inch By Inch Inspections for asbestos inspections and air quality testing. If our tests determine that asbestos is present, our team will conduct asbestos removal in your Mississauga home. Once asbestos is eradicated from your popcorn ceilings, you can effortlessly carry on with your renovations.
Read on to learn more about asbestos in popcorn ceilings.
Risk of Asbestos Exposure
With popcorn asbestos ceilings, the risk of exposure is high, especially if your home was built around 1985. Aside from being used to cover up flaws, popcorn ceilings were also used to help with acoustic insulation and soundproofing. Many rooms in a home may have popcorn ceilings, increasing the amount of asbestos present throughout. Popcorn ceilings with asbestos can contain one to 10% percent of asbestos fibres. To put that into perspective, the minimum amount needed for removal in Ontario is 0.05%. The best way to understand the risk of asbestos exposure in your home is to schedule air quality testing with Inch By Inch Inspections.
Identifying Asbestos-Containing Ceilings
While popcorn ceilings are easily identified visibly, it’s difficult to see if asbestos fibres are actually embedded within the ceiling. Asbestos fibres are tiny and often indistinguishable to the untrained eye, making it difficult to know if they’re in the ceiling or released into the air. The best way to identify asbestos-containing ceilings is to contact a professional for air quality testing from Inch By Inch Inspections.
Activities That May Trigger Asbestos Exposure in Ceilings
If you want to upgrade your popcorn ceilings or conduct renovations in the home, you may be putting yourself at risk of asbestos exposure. Popcorn ceilings are highly friable, so any activity in or around the ceiling may release fibres into the air. Before disturbing popcorn ceilings, contact Inch By Inch Inspections for air quality testing and, if necessary, asbestos removal in Mississauga.
Dealing with Asbestos-Containing Ceilings
If an asbestos inspection determines that you have asbestos in your popcorn ceilings, the first order of business should be to conduct asbestos removal in Mississauga. While encapsulation and encasement are other options, asbestos removal is the most surefire way to completely eradicate the hazardous mineral from your property and put your mind at ease. While you wait for asbestos removal to commence, try your best to stay away from your popcorn ceilings and avoid disrupting them.
Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
If exposed to asbestos, you may face numerous long-term health problems. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres attach to your lungs, ultimately leading to respiratory problems. Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are the most common asbestos-related illnesses, all of which may take years to develop.
Reach Out to an Asbestos Removal Company
When it comes to asbestos, it’s best to be safe and proactive. If you notice your home is older and has popcorn ceilings, contact an asbestos removal company for asbestos testing and removal services.