At 5 Microns Inc, we are often contacted by homeowners who have popcorn ceiling textures they would like to have tested for asbestos and removed. We received hundreds of samples every month to be tested for asbestos, and the most common question we are asked is, “what year was asbestos used in popcorn ceilings? Asbestos popcorn texture stated being used mostly between the mid-1940s to about the 1980s.
When was asbestos banned in popcorn ceilings?
The United States government placed a ban on asbestos-containing sprayed on texture in 1977. However, it is still possible that homes built after that date may contain sprayed on asbestos-containing material since some of this product would have remnants used later.
How to test for asbestos
You can’t tell by just looking at the popcorn texture that it contains asbestos. To get a definitive answer, you will need to have the asbestos-containing material tested for the presence of asbestos in a process called bulk testing. A sample is collected by first spaying the surface with soapy water to prevent the fibers from becoming airborne. You are carefully removing a dime-size piece using a small knife or a chisel then placing the material in a small jar of a sealable bag. Number the bag and location. You will need to gather at least three popcorn texture samples from different points since some sections may test negative for asbestos while others test positive.
If you are concerned with your safety or don’t feel confident performing this task on your own, you can always enlist a certified asbestos inspector. This individual will have the training, certification, and necessary tools to perform this job and provide a professional report with their certificate attached.
After collecting the popcorn ceiling texture, you will have to send samples for asbestos by an asbestos testing lab. The asbestos testing lab will use an analytical technique called Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). The method will provide information on the presence, type, and percentage of asbestos in the material.
Asbestos testing cost
Asbestos testing cost ranges between $26 per sample layer to $40 depending on the asbestos testing lab you choose and their level of service options. Hiring a certified inspector will cost you an additional $150-$250 for their service.
Asbestos testing lab
You can mail in a sample to test for asbestos to 5 Microns Inc. We provide 2-3 business days’ turnaround service from receipt as well as expedited service for an additional fee. You may also drop off your samples at our dropbox, and we also offer asbestos survey services by our certified inspectors.
Where can I send a sample for asbestos testing?
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
You MUST have the COC form inside your package but not in the sample bag. DO NOT MAIL YOUR SAMPLES BY FIRST CLASS MAIL. Send your sample(s) via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, and FedEx. It is essential to closely follow these directions so our asbestos testing lab can promptly process your sample(s).
Mail-in asbestos testing
5 Microns Inc.
7100 Fort Dent Way #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
Asbestos testing lab near me
IMPORTANT-MUST READ FIRST: All mail-in samples must have a tracking number and include our asbestos chain of custody form to be processed. If the chain of custody form is missing, your sample(s) will not be accepted and processed. Drop-offs MUST have the COC form inside your package but not in the sample bag. DO NOT MAIL YOUR SAMPLES BY FIRST CLASS MAIL. Send your sample(s) via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, and FedEx. It is essential to closely follow these directions so our asbestos testing lab can promptly process your sample(s).
Asbestos testing near me
*PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL DROP-OFFS: All samples must be dropped off at the back of the office building located at 7100 Fort Dent Way Tukwila WA outside the Tabor 100 Office and placed inside the black drop-box pictured below. Do not take your samples to the front desk. The front desk will not accept drop-offs over the counter, NO EXCEPTIONS
