Popcorn ceilings were very popular in the 1950's all the way through the early part of the 1980's. It was a trendy fashion within the home during this time and many people opted to have popcorn ceiling installed throughout their homes. Besides the fact that they were trendy, they also absorbed noise well and could hide imperfections. Of course, cleaning the ceiling were a major drawback because they did not have a smooth surface on which to work when cleaning.
Contaminated Ceilings and Asbestos
Many ceilings were installed using asbestos fibers because, at the time of the installation, no one was aware of the dangers of asbestos. It was actually touted as a very good invention because of its anti-flame properties.
The biggest danger of asbestos exposure is when it is disturbed. For this reason, those homes and apartment buildings that had the asbestos popcorn ceilings installed face a removal process, but the tenants cannot live in the home during the process.
Unsuspecting Homeowners
It was unknown for many years that the presence of asbestos can expose those who disturb it to many health problems, including mesothelioma cancer, heart conditions and breathing conditions. As the popcorn ceiling craze ended, many homeowners opted to remove the popcorn ceilings, but unbeknownst to them lurked a deadly substance. Most homeowners wore no protective covering, and dust within the home was present for everyone to inhale.
Many people who had no idea that their ceilings were made with asbestos or knew about the dangers associated with it, filed lawsuits because they had been exposed to a potentially hazardous material when they replaced their ceilings.
Does Your Ceiling Contain Asbestos?
If your popcorn ceiling was installed between the 1950's and the 1980's, it may contain asbestos because asbestos was widely used for many of these ceilings. The only way to know is to have a certified specialist come into your home and test the ceiling for the presence of asbestos.
If your ceiling does contain asbestos, you can choose to have it removed, but should not attempt this yourself because, as it is removed, the asbestos is disturbed and at its most toxic. Normally professionals will completely seal off one room and remove the ceiling and before replacing the ceiling, remove all the asbestos-contaminated ceilings and then move to the next room. It is a lengthy process to have asbestos removed, but well worth the effort to have the asbestos out of your home.
Final Thoughts
If you have replaced your own ceiling and have no way of knowing whether it contained asbestos, you should regularly be checked for the various conditions associated with exposure to asbestos. The effects of asbestos exposure may not become a health concern for you until years after inhaling the asbestos.
If you removed a popcorn ceiling that was installed between the 1950's and 1980's, you may want to contact a law firm to learn more about your options because you may have exposed yourself and your family to deadly toxins.
If you have been exposed to asbestos you may want to consider the possibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit to seek compensation for damages.
