Asbestos was a common additive in ceiling treatments. The mineral was often used in ceiling tiles and paper backing for the tiles. Some adhesives used to affix ceiling tiles together, such as mastic, also contained asbestos. Even in older homes that do not have ceiling tiles, ceilings may still contain asbestos. During this same time period, asbestos popcorn ceilings were also popular.
Asbestos ceiling products were popular for their low cost and fire resistance. Ceiling tiles with asbestos, in particular, were popular from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Several companies manufactured asbestos ceiling tiles, including:
- Flintkote Company
- National Gypsum
- Owens-Corning Fiberglas
- United States Gypsum
These and other companies knowingly exposed thousands of people to asbestos. In many cases, the companies eventually went bankrupt and created trusts to compensate exposed individuals.
Where Are Asbestos Ceiling Tiles Found?
Asbestos-containing ceiling products were common in schools, universities, warehouses and hospitals. In the home, asbestos-containing ceiling tiles were common in kitchens and basements to cover ductwork.
Homes and buildings built before the mid-1980s are most likely to contain asbestos ceiling tiles. Homeowners and tenants should review building construction dates to get an idea of if asbestos may be in the building. Building and homeowners should also check to see if the ceilings were ever replaced or renovated.
Due to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations enacted in the 1970s and 1980s, ceilings in homes and buildings constructed after 1980 are not likely to contain asbestos.
Types of Asbestos Ceiling Tiles
Ceilings with asbestos tiles may be recognized by several names, including drop ceilings, suspended ceilings and acoustic ceilings.
Asbestos ceiling tiles were often produced in 2×2-foot and 2×4-foot sizes.
How to Identify Asbestos Tiles
Asbestos tiles can be difficult to identify, as asbestos fibers are not visible to the naked eye. Additionally, not all floor and ceiling tiles used in the 20th century contained asbestos. The easiest way for homeowners and building owners to be certain if their tiles contain asbestos is to hire an asbestos abatement professional. They can inspect potential asbestos-containing materials and take samples for testing.
However, some visual clues can help building owners and homeowners be aware of the potential of asbestos. Size, appearance and installation date of floor and ceiling tiles are all indicators that asbestos may be present.
Square floor tiles installed between 1920 and 1980 are most likely to contain asbestos.
Ceiling tiles with asbestos were often square or rectangular. They can be identified by the trademark pinhole markings and powdery appearance.
What Do Asbestos Ceiling Tiles Look Like?
Asbestos ceiling tiles are usually light in color. The surface of the tile will often have mild texturing, such as pinholes on the surface.
How to Deal With Asbestos Tiles
Homeowners and building owners should never attempt to remove or cover asbestos tiles on their own. Only licensed abatement professionals should handle asbestos materials.
Any amount of exposure to asbestos fibers can potentially cause serious health issues, such as mesothelioma. DIY (do-it-yourself) asbestos removal is not recommended and can be very dangerous.
There are a few options for dealing with asbestos materials, including removal, encapsulation or cosmetic covering.
An abatement professional can inspect the asbestos-containing material and decide which option is safest. Typically, this will depend on the material’s condition and friability.
What Are Asbestos Friable Tiles?
Friable materials are those that crumble easily. The more friable a product, the more likely it is to release asbestos fibers into the air. As a result, friable asbestos materials present a larger health risk than nonfriable materials.
For example, vinyl asbestos floor tiles in good condition are not considered friable. However, if those tiles are scratched, sanded or degraded and crumble over time, they become friable. Asbestos ceiling tiles were generally made of softer material and were considered highly friable.
Asbestos Tile Removal
Only abatement professionals should handle asbestos tile removal. Depending on the condition of the tiles, removal may be the safest option. When done by a qualified professional, removal will completely address the asbestos problem.
An abatement contractor will first inspect the building to determine if asbestos materials are present. Samples will be sent to a lab for asbestos testing to confirm the presence of the mineral. At this time, contractors will be able to provide a cost estimate for the job. Some homeowners prefer to have the inspection and estimate done by one contractor and the job done by another, to ensure fair pricing.
Asbestos abatement professionals will begin by closing off the area containing asbestos products. They will then wet the materials in the work area to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. After wetting, asbestos materials can be removed.
In the case of asbestos floor tiles, both the tiles and the underlayment may contain asbestos. A thorough abatement job will remove both products.
Removal and disposal of any asbestos materials should always be done by professionals.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Asbestos Tiles?
Removing asbestos ceiling tiles can cost between $5 – $15 per square foot. Homeowners should also consider the associated costs of replacing the ceiling tiles.
Covering Asbestos Tiles
If the tiles are in good condition, encapsulation may be an option instead of removal. Encapsulation refers to covering the existing asbestos tiles to prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
Asbestos floor tiles may be covered with carpeting, new tiles or even wood flooring. Encapsulation may also be an option for asbestos ceiling tiles. Workers may add drywall over the tiles to encapsulate them and prevent human contact.
Encapsulation is not always a long-term solution. While intact tiles often do not pose a threat to health, disturbance or degradation can cause the asbestos to become airborne.
What Are the Health Risks of Exposure to Asbestos Tiles?
Damaged or disturbed asbestos tiles can release asbestos fibers into the air. Anyone in the surrounding area may then inhale or ingest the fibers.
The asbestos fibers may settle in the lining of internal organs and cause irritation. Over time, irritation may lead to conditions such as asbestosis, pleural thickening or pleural plaques. In serious instances, aggressive diseases such as mesothelioma may develop.
The only effective way to prevent these conditions is to avoid asbestos exposure.