Acoustic Ceilings

Asbestos can be found in several different types of acoustic ceiling materials. A more popular application of an asbestos-containing acoustic material is the “popcorn” ceiling. This was typically sprayed on a ceiling to give it a “texture” and improve the acoustics in a room. It also hid the imperfections in the ceiling. This can be sprayed on a drywall or plaster ceiling.

The main concern is the methods people used to clean their “popcorn” ceilings. All methods used have a great potential to cause a fiber release because they all involve direct contact with the material. Can you imagine the fiber release from running a broom over the ceiling?
There are ceiling tiles that also contain asbestos in all shapes and sizes, from 2′ x 4′ drop in tiles to 12″ x 12″ interlocking tiles stapled on furring strips. We have had situations where the tile actually tested negative for asbestos, but the glue “dabs” tested positive for asbestos.