Asbestos Drop Ceiling Tiles FAQs

Asbestos-containing drop ceiling tiles were widely used in commercial and industrial buildings from the 1930s through the 1980s for their fire resistance, durability, and sound absorbing properties. However, asbestos is a known human carcinogen, and exposure to asbestos fibers from damaged or deteriorating ceiling tiles can pose serious health risks. If you have older drop ceiling tiles in your building, it's important to understand how to identify, test, and safely manage them.

Where Were Asbestos Drop Ceiling Tiles Used?

Asbestos-containing ceiling tiles were very common in commercial, institutional and industrial buildings constructed between the 1930s and 1980s. Some of the typical locations where asbestos ceiling tiles were installed include:

• Offices
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Warehouses
• Factories
• Retail establishments
• Apartment buildings
• Hotels
• Arenas
• Auditoriums

Any building constructed before the 1980s that has drop ceilings with 9"x9" or 2'x2' tiles should be suspected of containing asbestos unless testing proves otherwise. Ceiling tiles in older buildings installed before 1980 have a high probability of containing asbestos materials.

Why Was Asbestos Used in Ceiling Tiles?

Asbestos was added to ceiling tiles for several desirable properties:

• Fire resistance - Asbestos won't burn, so it prevents fire spread
• Durability - Withstands damage and deterioration over decades of use
• Affordability - Inexpensive way to provide fireproofing
• Sound absorption - Reduces echo and ambient noise levels
• Aesthetics - Could be styled into many texture and patterns

Before the health hazards of asbestos were fully realized, it was considered an ideal additive for ceiling tiles. Even after concerns emerged in the 1970s, existing stocks of asbestos-containing tiles continued to be installed into the early 1980s in some cases.

Are Certain Types of Buildings More Likely to Have Asbestos Tiles?

Yes, asbestos ceiling tiles are more likely to be found in certain building types:

• Schools - Used for improved fire safety and noise reduction in classrooms
• Hospitals - Necessary due to infection control and fire risks
• Offices - Added sound absorption in open office plans
• Apartments - Installed for affordable fireproofing
• Factories - Help minimize industrial noise and reduce fire hazards

In general, buildings with drop ceiling systems installed prior to 1980 have a high chance of containing asbestos ceiling tiles. Targeted testing should be conducted in higher risk buildings showing signs of asbestos materials.

How Can I Tell if Ceiling Tiles Contain Asbestos?

It can be very difficult to identify asbestos ceiling tiles just by looking at them. Many manufacturers produced tiles in a wide variety of styles and textures, some of which give no obvious indication that asbestos is present. Asbestos fibers in ceiling tiles are often microscopic. Here are some signs that may indicate asbestos ceiling tiles:

• Tiles are 9"x9" or 2'x2' in size
• Tiles have a "popcorn" or bumpy texture
• Building was constructed before 1980
• Tiles are labeled as containing asbestos
• Damage, deterioration or water stains on tiles
• Powdery debris on tiles or ceiling plenum

The only way to know for sure is to have samples of the ceiling tiles tested by an accredited asbestos testing laboratory. They use polarized light microscopy (PLM) to detect asbestos content. Testing typically costs around $25-$75 per sample.

Should All Ceiling Tiles be Tested?

It is usually not necessary to test every single ceiling tile, which would be prohibitively expensive. A strategic sampling plan developed by an asbestos consultant can determine if tiles contain asbestos using a smaller number of samples. They select tiles from areas representative of the different building materials, ages, and other characteristics.

Testing 10-20% of the total number of tiles is often sufficient to ascertain if asbestos is present. The asbestos inspector can then extrapolate the results to the broader ceiling tile population with reasonable confidence. Managing the presumed asbestos materials becomes required.

How Many Samples Should Be Taken?

At minimum, OSHA rules require three samples be taken of each type of suspected asbestos-containing material. EPA regulations specify taking at least five samples for analyzing. An experienced asbestos consultant will determine exactly how many samples are needed during a thorough inspection.

More samples may be required in situations such as:

• Larger facilities
• Multiple buildings
• Varied construction materials
• Areas renovated at different times
• Visibly damaged materials
• Materials installed in different eras

Enough samples have to be collected to provide a complete representation of the different asbestos conditions throughout a building.

Is It Safe for Me to Remove Asbestos Ceiling Tiles?

No, it is not recommended for untrained individuals to attempt removing asbestos-containing ceiling tiles. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air during removal, posing a significant health hazard if inhaled. The USEPA only allows certified asbestos abatement professionals using specialized equipment and protective gear to handle asbestos removal safely.

Trying DIY removal of asbestos ceiling tiles risks dangerous exposure and also violates federal and local regulations. Only a licensed asbestos abatement contractor should be hired for abating asbestos ceiling tiles. Air monitoring and clearance testing is also required to ensure the area is safe for re-occupancy after abatement.

What Are the Dangers of Improper Removal?

Attempting asbestos ceiling tile removal without proper training, equipment and precautions can lead to risky consequences:

• Inhalation of toxic asbestos fibers and lung disease
• Contaminating building air ducts with asbestos
• Spreading fibers beyond the work area
• Taking asbestos dust home on clothing
• Mesothelioma and lung cancer
• Fines for regulatory non-compliance

Leave asbestos abatement to qualified professionals. Do not risk exposure by trying DIY removal to save money. The potential health hazards make that an incredibly dangerous decision.

What Safety Gear is Required?

Proper respiratory protection is vital along with full-body coverage. Ordinary dust masks do not provide adequate protection from asbestos fibers. Extensive training in using, fitting, and inspecting safety gear is mandatory.