Popcorn Ceilings
Dangers of Popcorn Ceiling
Most of the popcorn ceilings contain asbestos because they were used in houses built 1940s through 1970s. Building and construction industries have used asbestos for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption.
In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the environment during use. In addition, manufacturers of electric hairdryers voluntarily stopped using asbestos in their products in 1979. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; however, uses developed before 1989 are still allowed. The EPA also established regulations that require school systems to inspect buildings for the presence of damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce asbestos exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it.
Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen). Although rare, mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. In addition to lung cancer and mesothelioma, some studies have suggested an association between asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, as well as an elevated risk for cancers of the throat, kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder.
Traditional ways of handling popcorn
During the period of more than 20 years millions of feet of popcorn ceilings were installed. But even after asbestos containing popcorn ceilings were banned, they were still popular for more than 10 years.
On the market today there is a tendency to remove this texture from the ceiling surface because it is not fashionable, not beautiful, ugly and yes, it is very dangerous to your health. If the popcorn ceiling does not contain asbestos work is more simple (it can even be cleaned off with your hands), then with asbestos-containing materials situation is much more complicated. For its removal work must be carried out by trained professionals with specialized equipment and gear. Also the removed asbestos requires special disposal.
