How to Test a Popcorn Ceiling for Asbestos

Co-authored by Andre Kazimierski and Madeleine Flamiano

Last Updated: March 12, 2023 References

Popcorn ceilings were once popular, but they may pose problems. Some of these ceilings contain asbestos, which was banned in the 1970s. Since asbestos can affect your health, it’s important to test your ceilings for any traces of it. We'll tell you when asbestos is a risk and how to test if it's in your ceiling. Read this handy guide to stay informed and keep everyone safe from asbestos.

Section 1 of 4:

When should I test a popcorn ceiling for asbestos?

1
Test a popcorn ceiling if your home was built between 1945 and 1980. Before 1980, asbestos was an extremely common material. Since asbestos was cheap and easy to apply to ceilings by spraying it on, it was popular for construction.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} By 1978, spray-on asbestos was banned, so homes built after this law were made using different methods.^{[2]
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- If your home was built after 1980 and your ceiling is in good shape, it's better if you don't test it. If asbestos wasn't sprayed on, then your ceiling is unlikely to pose a health risk. Removing a sample might release asbestos, though.
2
Check for asbestos if your ceiling is damaged or you’re renovating. Once your popcorn ceiling is falling apart, it might release airborne particles of asbestos.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices
Go to source} If you’re remodeling, your projects will probably shake your ceiling. When that happens, your ceiling may release asbestos dust. It's safest to test for asbestos before you start renovations.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices
Go to source}
- Test a damaged ceiling even if it was constructed after 1980—it might be made with asbestos-containing material that wasn't sprayed on. ^{[5]
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Section 2 of 4:

What testing methods are available?

1
A professional can test for asbestos, which the EPA recommends. The EPA strongly encourages homeowners to hire certified professionals because they're trained to remove asbestos. When you have them take a sample from your popcorn ceiling, they'll use extreme caution and safety protocols so no one is exposed to asbestos.^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices
Go to source}
2
You can also use a home testing kit and send it to a lab. Buy an asbestos sampling kit at a hardware store or online. If you do choose to use it yourself, make sure to follow all the kit's instructions to be as safe as possible. If you purchase a sampling kit, you can still hire a professional to use it for you. That way, you can keep the costs of materials down.^{[7]
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Section 3 of 4:

Taking a Sample with a Home Testing Kit

1
Purchase an asbestos sampling kit. You can get an asbestos sampling kit online or from your local hardware store. This kit will contain everything you’ll need to safely remove the sample and contain it for shipping. Then, contact a certified asbestos-testing lab and ask about their sampling requirements.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Andre Kazimierski
Painting Specialist
Expert Interview. 26 January 2022.}
- An asbestos kit contains a face mask, disposable coveralls, gloves, wipes, sample bags, shipping materials, and sample submission documents.
- Ask for instructions about how the lab wants the sample collected and sent to them. They may also have specific requirements for the size of the sample.
- As an extra safety precaution, hire a professional to use your asbestos sampling kit.
2
Move your furniture out of the room and turn off any ventilation. Before you take your sample, empty out the room. If you can’t do that, then move the furniture and everything else far away from the sampling area and cover it all with plastic drop cloths. Then, shut any windows or doors and turn off your healing or cooling system, as well as any fans.^{[9]
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- Since even a small speck of asbestos can cause health problems, it’s a good idea to completely clear out the room where you’ll be taking a sample from.
- Shutting off the ventilation prevents asbestos particles from becoming airborne.
3
Put on your safety gear. Wear disposable coveralls to protect your body from harmful chemicals. Put on thick disposable gloves, a respirator, and goggles. It's hazardous if asbestos touches your skin, so keep yourself totally covered.^{[10]
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- To protect yourself from asbestos, wear a mask with HEPA filtered cartridges or an N-100, P-100 or R-100 NIOSH rating are specially designed to filter out asbestos particles.^{[11]
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- Remember that you’ll need to toss everything that you’ve worn as outer protection, including goggles and gloves. Try to buy cheap items made to be disposable.
- While you are taking the sample and before you’ve fully cleaned up, don’t allow anyone else in the room.
4
Lay plastic drop cloths on the floor. Get industrial plastic sheeting from your hardware store. To contain dust from any possible asbestos, place this sheeting on the floor directly underneath the part of the ceiling where you’ll take the sample. Use duct tape to secure the sheeting to the floor so that it won’t shift around. Set your ladder directly on top of the sheeting and beneath where you’ll take the sample.^{[12]
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5
Use a spray bottle filled with water to mist the room. When you’ve finished placing the plastic drop cloth in the right spot, get a spray bottle and mist the whole space with water. This helps to keep any dust particles from floating around.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Andre Kazimierski
Painting Specialist
Expert Interview. 26 January 2022.} It’s not necessary to douse any surfaces—just a quick spraying is fine.
6
Loosen a sample with a utility knife or a chisel. Carefully press your chosen tool against an inconspicuous part of the ceiling, like one of its corners. Use the tip of your utility knife or chisel to form an outline around the area that you wish to remove. Don’t fully remove the piece of ceiling—instead, loosen it up.^{[14]
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- Check with with the EPA, your chosen testing company, or your sample kit to determine how big of a piece you’ll need. Some samples can be relatively small while other labs might need a larger piece.
- If the piece begins to fall out when you try to loosen it, skip ahead to the step where you'll put the sample in plastic baggies.
7
Fold a damp paper towel into the mouth of your pliers. Pick up your pliers. Open the mouth and place the damp paper towel inside. Then, close the mouth. When you use a damp paper towel, you prevent asbestos fibers from sticking to your pliers. ^{[15]
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8
Pull the sample away from the ceiling with your pliers. Open the mouth of the pliers. Place the tips of the pliers against the ceiling so they grasp the edges of the piece you've chosen for your sample. Push the plier tips deeper into the ceiling material and gently squeeze them. Slowly pull your pliers away from the ceiling, taking the sample with you.^{[16]
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- If the sample is stuck in the ceiling, you may need to rock it back and forth a bit, but do this very gently so you don't loosen any potential asbestos dust.
- Take your time when pulling out the sample from the ceiling. If you move too fast, you risk breaking up extra popcorn and creating additional dust.
9
Drop the sample into a labeled plastic bag. Grab the plastic baggie that came with your kit or a sealable freezer baggie. Open it up and drop the sample inside.^{[17]
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Research source} Take out the wipe from the mouth of the pliers and put it in the bag as well. Run your fingers across the top seal until it's fully secure. Follow the kit's directions to mail the sample to their lab for testing.^{[18]
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- For extra security, place this original bag in another one and seal that, too.
- Use a permanent marker to write your name, your city, and the date on the bag.
- Some sampling kits provide additional instructions regarding labeling the bag, such as using a particular stick-on label.
10
Perform another round of water misting. Set the sample to the side of the room. Then, get a spray bottle of water and mist down the entire area. Spray everything in the room, even the plastic sheeting on the floor. This helps any stray asbestos particles fall down so they're not airborne.^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source
Consumer Products Safety Commission
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research
Go to source}
11
Paint the sampled area. Get any type of latex spray paint that matches your ceiling. Spritz the spot where you took the sample to coat and cover it. This will keep the opened sample area from releasing any potentially dangerous dust over time. Throw the brush and paint away after use.^{[20]
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- If you took a large sample, then add some drywall paste to the area before painting. Dip your drywall knife into a container of compound paste. Then, apply the compound paste to the wall. Use your drywall knife to smooth over the area. This will make your sample spot less noticeable.^{[21]
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12
Vacuum the space, then dispose of all your materials. Roll up the plastic flooring from one end to the other, place it in a large garbage bag, and seal it up. Thoroughly vacuum the entire room. When you're finished, take out the vacuum bag and throw it away. Once you’re done with your asbestos-containment project, carefully remove your overalls, gloves, and mask.^{[22]
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Trustworthy Source
Consumer Products Safety Commission
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research
Go to source}
- If you have a bagless vacuum, wipe down the inside of the canister with a damp paper towel. Throw the used towels away.
- Seal all garbage bags from the top to prevent any fibers from escaping into the air.^{[23]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Consumer Products Safety Commission
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research
  Go to source}

Section 4 of 4:

What do I do if the ceiling tests positive for asbestos?

Hire a certified professional to safely contain or remove the asbestos. Handling all the asbestos instead of just taking out one sample requires extreme caution. If you've confirmed that your ceiling contains asbestos, reach out to an asbestos professional right away. They're trained to work near hazardous materials and follow strict safety protocols.^{[24]
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Trustworthy Source
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices
Go to source}
- They might "encapsulate" asbestos by using a sealant so it stays in place.^{[25]
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- They may "enclose" asbestos by covering it with a protective barrier.^{[26]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  United States Environmental Protection Agency
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices
  Go to source}
- They could remove asbestos and replace it with a non-toxic alternative.^{[27]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Consumer Products Safety Commission
  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers by developing safety standards and conducting product research
  Go to source}

Expert Q&A

Question

Do you cut a hole into the drywall to take an asbestos sample?

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Expert Answer

You only take a small piece from drywall in order to have enough material to send to a lab. Using a chisel or a utility knife, you'll lightly trace the tip around an outline with the right dimensions to loosen the sample. Then, you'll put a wet paper towel between the mouth of some pliers, which will keep any possible asbestos dust from falling down. When you carefully pull the small piece off with the pliers, you'll prevent any exposure to asbestos. You should then cover the spot where you took the sample with latex paint.
Question

Is a popcorn ceiling safe if it's been painted over 3 times?

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Expert Answer

Painting over a popcorn ceiling is a way to "encapsulate" asbestos, which will contain it. Spray paint is best so that you don't disturb the popcorn ceiling and make it crumble. Make sure to vacuum the ceiling first to remove any loose particles, then use an oil-based primer before you apply any paint. An acrylic latex paint is ideal. If you use a sprayer with a tip size that's 517 of 617, you'll be more quick and efficient with your project.
Question

Is it safe to remove the popcorn ceiling yourself?

Andre Kazimierski
Painting Specialist
Andre Kazimierski is a Painting Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Improovy, an on-demand house painting service startup. With more than 15 years of experience, Andre and the Improovy team use data and technology to streamline the home improvement process for homeowners and painting contractors. Andre started in the painting industry as a sophomore at Depaul University in Chicago, working with one of the nation’s largest painting companies to launch new cities and territories across the Midwest. Years later, he started 3rd Gen Painting and Remodeling and had a successful exit after growing the company to two different states.

Andre Kazimierski

Painting Specialist

Expert Answer

If it's possible that your ceiling contains asbestos, I highly recommend that you hire a qualified and certified asbestos removal professional to avoid any problems.

Warnings

Make sure to take every safety precaution when testing for asbestos. If you skip a safety step, you could potentially expose your skin to it.

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Always wear protective gear to avoid exposure. Unless you get an x-ray, you won't be able to know if you've breathed in asbestos. You won't cough or sneeze, and your skin won't itch, so it will be harder to know if you should seek care.^{[28]
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