Asbestos Ceiling Tile Identification
An asbestos ceiling is also called an acoustic ceiling or popcorn ceiling due to its soundproofing qualities and it looks a little like popcorn once it s sprayed on.
Asbestos ceiling tile identification. There are signs you can look for to identify asbestos tiles but the only way to be sure if your tiles contain asbestos is to test for it. When inspecting the tiles look for parts that are grayish brown dark gray dark brown or black. If these labels exist they will be on the top of the ceiling tiles.
Step 3 date the tiles. Asbestos can cause asbestosis mesothelioma and even lung cancer. For all these reasons it is very difficult to determine for sure whether or not ceiling or floor tiles contain asbestos.
While sending a tile off to the lab can make an identification of the type of asbestos the same procedure is followed in the removal of asbestos ceiling tiles no matter its type. If they are then you can take the proper steps necessary to remove the tiles. Check rooms for acoustic ceiling tiles.
Aibs are often hard to identify as they often look like normal building materials such as ceiling tiles plasterboard and panels. One of the main ingredients used in old asbestos tiles was asphalt so they were primarily made in dark colors only. The occupational safety and health administration states that if you are planning a renovation on a house that was built in 1981 or prior you must assume that your home has asbestos ceiling tiles.
The older the tiles the more likely they are to contain asbestos. Some areas allow you to use home test kits to check for asbestos but the best way to identify asbestos tiles is to hire asbestos professionals to inspect your building. Asbestos was used commonly in ceilings since it helps with soundproofing and insulation it s more resistant to fire and it also hides ceiling imperfections.
Some asbestos ceiling tiles may be labeled. Amosite asbestos also a widely used form of asbestos was used in some ceiling tiles as well as in roof and floor tiles. Vinyl or asphalt tiles that have these colors in it have a high likelihood of asbestos fibers.