Also known as textured or acoustic ceilings, popcorn ceilings are easily recognized because of their bumpy texture. Many popcorn ceilings contain asbestos. read on to learn more.
Popcorn ceilings were popular from the 1930’s to the 1990’s for the following reasons:
- Absorbs echoes and noise
- Conceals imperfections
- Cover ceilings that are unfinished
Once, Asbestos Was A Miracle Material!
Durable, lightweight, and non-flammable as well as being inexpensive it was considered an ideal material. Sadly, it was found to cause serious health problems and as a result it has killed many people. Normally there is no expiration of ceiling materials, so it is likely to be found in buildings after the 1977 US Government ban.
Those At Risk
- Drilling into the ceiling to do electrical, plumbing or ductwork
- Applying the popcorn finish
- Mixing the material on-site
- Working in a factory that manufactured popcorn ceiling finishes
Construction Jobs
Asbestos fibers are portable—they can be carried from one environment to another on surfaces like hair, clothes or skin. Cases of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos, have been found in spouses of workers, even though they never set foot on a construction site.
Health Risks
Mesothelioma has a long latency timeand can take decades to develop after the initial exposure. For this reason, it can be difficult for mesothelioma victims to specify where exactly their exposure took place.
Classroom & Online
The Asbestos Institute has provided EPA and Cal/OSHA-accredited safety training since 1988. From OSHA 10 to hazmat training and asbestos certification, our trusted and experienced instructors make sure participants get the high-quality initial and refresher training they need.
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We train on-site at our headquarters in Phoenix, AZ or at our clients’ sites across the U.S. We offer both English and Spanish courses. Browse Classroom Classes
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Disclaimer
The Asbestos Institute is not the official authority to determine OSHA training requirements, which are set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. OSHA regulations are always being revised, added, and/or deleted, so you must not rely on The Asbestos Institute as the official authority of OSHA asbestos training requirements. Visit the official OSHA Asbestos Training Requirements page here.
