How do I find out if my popcorn ceiling has asbestos?

Have the ceiling tested by a licensed Virginia asbestos inspector, who takes the sample and sends it to a licensed laboratory. Do not scrape a piece off yourself to check. EPA says you generally can't tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled,^[1] and that if you are in doubt, you should treat the material as if it contains asbestos and leave it alone.^[1]

Why a popcorn ceiling is a candidate

EPA lists textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings among the places asbestos may be found.^[2] That does not mean yours has any. Texture varies with age, brand and later paint, and a lab is the only way to know. Virginia's definition of asbestos-containing material is any material or product that contains more than 1.0 percent asbestos, or another percentage if EPA sets one.^[4]

Do you need to test at all

Not always. EPA says that if building materials in your home aren't damaged and won't be disturbed, you do not need to have your home tested for asbestos, and that material in good condition that will not be disturbed should be left alone.^[1] A sound ceiling you leave as it is does not need a test.

EPA says you may want a trained and accredited asbestos professional to inspect your home if you are planning to remodel, since remodeling can disturb building materials, or if building materials are damaged.^[1] Removing popcorn, sanding, drilling for new lights or fans, or cutting for a new opening all count. If any of that is coming, test before work starts.

Who may do the testing in Virginia

Virginia law sets out who does what, and it covers both the sampling and the lab:

• It is unlawful for anyone without an asbestos inspector's license to conduct an asbestos inspection.^[3]
• It is unlawful for anyone without an asbestos analytical laboratory license to communicate the findings of an analysis, for a fee, performed on material known or suspected to contain asbestos.^[3]
• DPOR's Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors licenses individuals engaged in asbestos remediation, lead-based paint remediation and renovation, and home inspection.^[6]

EPA explains why sampling belongs to a professional: a professional knows what to look for, and if sampling is done incorrectly it can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone.^[1] Taking samples yourself is not recommended.^[1] A mail-in kit is no substitute for a licensed inspector, and only a licensed laboratory may report the result for a fee.

Check the inspector's licence on DPOR's licence lookup before you book, and ask for the lab's name and its Virginia licence. Ask for a written report that states what was sampled, where, and the result.

What the result means

Negative. A regular painting or drywall contractor can then take the ceiling off or finish it. See what popcorn ceiling removal involves.

Positive. Leave it alone if it is in good condition and nothing will disturb it.^[1] If you want it removed, EPA says removal is complex and must be done only by a trained and accredited asbestos professional,^[1] and Virginia makes it unlawful to contract for compensation to carry out an asbestos project without an asbestos contractor's license.^[3] Get written bids from licensed asbestos contractors, not painters.

Does a permit office need the paperwork? Virginia's rule that renovating a building first permitted before January 1, 1985 needs a certified inspection does not apply to single-family dwellings or housing with four or fewer units, unless the work is for commercial or public development.^[5] You still owe yourself the test.

While you wait for results

Do not touch the texture. EPA says that if you suspect a material contains asbestos, you should not touch it, and that damaged material may release fibers, particularly if it is disturbed often by hitting, rubbing or handling.^[1] EPA also advises limiting children's access to areas with damaged material that may contain asbestos.^[1]

When to call a licensed pro

For the whole job. In Virginia the testing must be done by a licensed asbestos inspector and a licensed laboratory,^[3] and any removal of positive material by a licensed asbestos contractor. Loclis lists painting and drywall businesses for the work that follows a negative test; browse painting services or read more painting answers.

To line up the finishing work once the ceiling is cleared, describe the job once and licensed local painters will respond.