Read Blog
related attorneys
Related practice area
Popcorn ceilings were incredibly popular for over three decades—you’ll find these textured ceilings in many homes built between 1950 and 1990. Homeowners raved about the ease with which this spray-on texture could be applied, as well as its fire-retardant and soundproofing qualities.
Unfortunately, asbestos wasn’t banned from use in textured ceiling sprays until 1977, when the popcorn ceiling craze was at its peak. This means that many homes with textured ceilings are likely to contain asbestos—which can cause serious long-term health issues, including a type of lung cancer called mesothelioma. Below, learn more about how to determine whether your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos or other harmful chemical substances and what you can do to reduce your health risks.
How Many Popcorn Ceilings Have Asbestos?
Most popcorn ceilings applied before 1980 or so have between 1 and 10 percent asbestos content. While asbestos doesn’t pose much of a risk when it’s undisturbed, if it begins to crumble or if you sand it down and remodel, the airborne particles can be incredibly hazardous. Even a slight disturbance to the popcorn ceiling can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Once you’ve inhaled asbestos fibers, they remain in your lungs forever. This means that the risk of injury won’t decrease. However, your risk of developing an asbestos-related disease increases with both frequency and volume of exposure to the hazardous chemicals in asbestos. It’s important to treat the substance with respect because inhaling asbestos dust can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and serious illnesses like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Since it’s impossible to tell whether a popcorn ceiling contains asbestos just by looking at it, if you’re concerned about your ceiling’s asbestos content—or if you’re planning to get rid of your popcorn ceiling—you should have it professionally tested.
Determining Whether Your Ceiling Contains Asbestos
If your home was built or majorly remodeled before 1980, there’s a high chance that your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. And if you have other textured paint products in your home (like textured walls), they may contain asbestos as well. Because the effects of exposure can lead to harmful health effects, it’s wise to confirm whether your ceiling contains asbestos before moving forward with any home repairs or updates.
To assess whether your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos or other toxic substances, you can collect a sample to have professionally tested. Some companies allow you to collect a sample yourself (with certain precautions); others will send out a technician to do the collecting. To test a popcorn ceiling, you’ll need to take the following steps:
- Identify the areas of the ceiling you’d like to sample. Ideally, you should sample from two or more different areas, as a small sample from just one area may not provide an accurate reflection of your ceiling’s asbestos content.
- Wearing a mask, and after placing a plastic sheet down to catch any dust, carefully scrape off about two tablespoons’ worth of ceiling texture.
- Use a wet wipe to quickly clean up any debris so that it doesn’t become airborne.
- Place the sample in a plastic bag and seal it tightly.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and launder your clothes as soon as you can.
- Send the sample to an asbestos testing lab and wait for your results.
Be sure to wait on the testing results before you do anything else to disturb your popcorn ceiling.
What to Do If You Find Asbestos in Your Popcorn Ceiling
If testing reveals that your ceiling does contain asbestos, there are three options to reduce or even eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure within your home: encasement, encapsulation, or removal. All three options will reduce environmental exposure risks to asbestos when completed by an expert. Many professionals recommend encasement or encapsulation as an inexpensive way to ensure that asbestos particles can’t become airborne within the home.
Encasement
During encasement, the popcorn ceiling is covered with new ceiling panels or another physical barrier to prevent it from producing any dust.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation involves sealing the asbestos-containing materials with paint or another binding substance. But because painting a textured ceiling can be a challenge—and increases the risk of sending small popcorn particles flying—encapsulation should be performed only by an abatement professional who has been trained in safely handling asbestos.
Both encasement and encapsulation can be effective ways to mitigate your asbestos risk. However, because the asbestos is still present in your ceiling, if you decide to remodel later, you’ll continue to need protective measures to ensure you aren’t inadvertently exposed to asbestos fibers. You may also be required to disclose that your home contains asbestos if you list it for sale.
Removal
In some cases, removing the asbestos entirely is your best option. Do not attempt to remove an asbestos ceiling yourself. Removing asbestos can be far riskier than continuing to live with it, even if it hasn’t been encased or encapsulated, so it should be performed only by a trained, accredited mitigation professional.
It’s best to take steps to reduce human exposure to asbestos whenever possible. The long-term health effects are well documented.
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or is experiencing other health issues as a result of asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Ferraro Law Firm, we’re focused on each client’s case and will use all our resources to ensure you have the most robust representation possible. To schedule your free consultation, call 888-554-2030 or just fill out our free case consultation form, and a member of our team will soon be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How do I know if I need a mesothelioma lawyer for my case?
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or suspect that you were exposed to asbestos in a work setting or through asbestos containing products, speaking with a mesothelioma lawyer can help clarify your legal rights. At Ferraro Law, we assess the details of your situation, identify companies responsible, and explain the legal process so you can determine if pursuing a mesothelioma claim aligns with your needs. This initial guidance provides a clear direction for mesothelioma victims seeking meaningful support.
02.
What can I expect from working with a mesothelioma law firm?
03.
Will I need to go to court if I’m seeking compensation for asbestos exposure?
04.
How long does asbestos litigation usually take?
05.
How can a mesothelioma law firm help me handle the financial burdens of my illness?
06.
How do I know if my asbestos exposure is connected to my mesothelioma diagnosis?
07.
Is it too late to file a mesothelioma claim if I was diagnosed years ago?
08.
What if I’m not sure which companies are responsible for my asbestos exposure?
09.
Can a mesothelioma law firm assist if my loved one passed away from asbestos-related illness?
10.
Can Ferraro Law handle my case if I live outside of Florida?
Absolutely. We represent clients nationwide. Our extensive experience in complex litigation and specialized claims means that we can effectively advocate for your rights, no matter where you live.
11.
Will hiring a mesothelioma lawyer add to my financial strain?
have more questions?
Featured Articles
our attorneys
Client Experiences
When individuals and families face the challenges of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure—coping with complex treatments, escalating costs, and emotional strain—they turn to Ferraro Law for clarity, guidance, and steadfast support. Through meticulous case preparation, empathetic counsel, and strategic representation, our attorneys build compelling cases that secure meaningful settlements to cover medical expenses, provide financial relief, and offer a path toward stability during difficult times.
Ferraro Law is wonderful and I am forever grateful to them. My attorney Daniel Di Matteo fought like a tiger for me against a multibillion dollar corporation and obtained a substantial settlement for me. This settlement is life changing for me. If you need an attorney call Ferraro Law and if you’re lucky Daniel will take your case.
Florence T.
Not too long ago I picked up the phone and called the Ferraro Law Firm not quite knowing what to expect. From the moment I reached out, the team made me feel heard and taken care of — not just like another case walking through the door.
Nikki Hurtado was my first primary contact. After speaking with her I knew that I had picked the right firm. She walked me through the process in plain understandable language. Even after numerous calls, she never made me feel like I was asking too many questions, and I always felt confident that my case was in expert hands.
My litigator was Daniel Di Matteo. If there was ever anyone that you would want by your side in a court of law, it would be him. He was everything that you would want in an attorney—calm, cool, always prepared, communicative and most importantly–experienced. He knew everything that was going to happen before it occurred but was prepared for any contingency. He is a fantastic attorney.
What really set them apart was their communication. I was kept informed at every stage — no chasing down updates, no wondering what was happening with my case. Calls and emails were returned promptly, and they proactively reached out whenever there was a development.
The professionalism of the entire team — from the attorneys to the support staff — was exceptional. Everyone I interacted with was kind, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my well-being, not just the outcome of my case.
And the outcome? Better than I could have hoped for. They fought hard on my behalf and secured a result that truly reflected the impact this injury had on my life.
You could ask for no better firm or attorney.
Keeth K.
Working with my attorney, Daniel J. Di Matteo was an exceptional experience from start to finish. His level of professionalism, attention to detail, and strategic thinking set him apart immediately. Every step of the process was handled with precision and clarity, and I always felt informed and confident in the decisions being made.
What truly stood out was his ability to navigate complex situations with confidence and deliver results that exceeded my expectations. He was not only highly knowledgeable but also genuinely committed to protecting my best interests.
If you’re looking for an attorney who is sharp, responsive, and truly operates at a high level, I highly recommend him without any hesitation.
Ivan M.
My name is Page. I am putting a five star review of my experience with Ferraro law group and my attorney Daniel J. Di Matteo. His professionalism and compassion and diligence for my case was outstanding. I am very happy that I put my trust in their very capable hands.
Page P.
Free Case Consultation
Our Trial and Appellate Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You
If you were seriously injured, remember that it is crucial to choose the right law firm to represent your interests. We have been doing this for more than three decades, and have the resources you need to challenge any opponent!
