Ceiling tiles that might contain asbestos can sometimes be ruled in or out by knowing the date of manufacture of the product, along with the manufactuer and country of origin.
Here we give the years of manufacture, history, and producers of various types of ceiling tiles & coverings as an aid in determining whether or not a particular ceiling covering or tile is likely to contain asbestos.
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Certainly not all ceiling tiles contain or ever contained asbestos.
Knowing the the history of ceiling tiles and their various ingredients, combined with the size, brand (usually unknown), visual appearance and location of ceiling tiles, and adding the age of the building or of the ceiling tile installation itself can often quickly decide whether special handling or further investigation is warranted when demolishing, remodeling, or otherwise disturbing a ceiling.
But asbestos fibers were used in some acoustic asbestos ceiling tiles, often amphibole asbestos such as amosite, crocidolite, anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolite, with amosite among the most commonly-found.
Modern ceiling products do not contain asbestos.
Watch out: During any construction, demolition, or building remodeling project, as dust and particles from many materials, even paper and wood can be irritating or harmful to workers and occupants, prudent procedure would include appropriate dust control, personal protection equipment, and cleaning methods.
While an expert lab test using polarized light microscopy may be needed to identify the specific type of asbestos fiber, or to identify the presence of asbestos in air or dust samples, many asbestos-containing building products not only are obvious and easy to recognize, but since there were not other look-alike products that were not asbestos, a visual identification of this material can be virtually a certainty in many cases.
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Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
This home was built in 1954 these tiles are large 18x28 and are mostly brown on inside. I was thinking fiberglass or cellulos from your description. Have you seen 18x28 tiles with brown that do contain asbestos? I release you from all liability in your answer.
On 2023-01-27 by InspectApedia Publisher - 1954 wood fiberboard ceiling tile product
@Missouri Jay,
Looks like a wood fiberboard ceiling tile product.
DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 Easy Steps to tell if CEILING TILES are likely to contain asbestos - https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Ceiling_Tiles.php#asbmaybe
might also be helpful.
On 2022-12-06 by JD
Hello, came across this site while looking for any clues on some questions I had regarding these tiles, since home was build in 60s. Considering the brown color, without a test being performed, would your opinion be that these tiles do not contain asbestos? Other side of panel, too. Thanks!
On 2022-12-06 by InspectApedia (Editor) - more information needed to determine asbestos or not
@JD,
No it would not be my opinion that, as you put it, the tiles do not contain asbestos.
It would be more clear to simply stay that with no information whatsoever except a photograph of a square object we can't say whether it contains asbestos or not. From this page I'm assuming you're speaking about a ceiling tile. If we could see that edge and back of the tile or know it's age and country and city of location that would be helpful.
To make an educated guess about the asbestos questions see
DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 Easy Steps to tell if CEILING TILES are likely to contain asbestos
https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Ceiling_Tiles.php#asbmaybe
On 2022-10-20 by Andy - worried these 1979 ceiling tiles might contain asbestos
Worries about asbestos on these drop ceiling tiles from 1979. Pic attached. Thanks!
On 2022-10-20 by InspectApedia (Editor) - 1979 drop ceiling tiles may contain asbestos
@Andy,
possibly yes,
see
DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 Easy Steps to tell if CEILING TILES are likely to contain asbestos -
to
add details to make a guess,
or have a sample tested
On 2022-08-26 by Anonymous by private email - do these 1970s ceiling tiiles contain asbestos?
I’m supposed to remove some ceiling tiles from a house built in the 70’s in southwest Missouri. Doesn’t look like anything I’ve worked with exactly and just wanted a second opinion if it may have asbestos. Thanks,
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On 2022-08-26 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - 1970s Missouri ceiling tile asbestos
@Anonymous by private email,
Guessing at asbestos vs. testing when an old ceiling has to be demolished
That ceiling tile cross-section looks like a wood- or plant- fiber product, but you'll also want to step through the simple questions above on this page to improve your guess.
And of course if you come across old packaging, sometimes left in a building's attic or basement along with spare ceiling tiles, or if you see a stamp or brand on the back of any of these acoustic ceiling tiles, that will improve the asbestos-question answer-guess.
When demolishing a ceiling like that it's difficult to avoid creating dust and debris. Regardless of the ceiling tile make-up you'd want to use dust control, negative air pressure in the work space, and appropriate PPE.
It's always safer for someone to tell you to have a sample tested for asbestos (about $100. U.S.) - if you decide to do that, let me know. Andsee ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST for access to certified asbestos testing labs.
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Continue reading at ASBESTOS PRODUCTS BANNED vs PERMITTED U.S. 2023, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
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ASBESTOS CEILING TILE HISTORY / DATES at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
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