Questions and answers about the asbestos content of some ceiling tiles, set #7.

This article series provides photographs and descriptive text of asbestos insulation and other asbestos-containing products to permit identification of definite, probable, or possible asbestos materials in buildings.

Asbestos in Ceiling Tiles FAQs-7

These questions & answers about ceiling tiles that do, do not, or might contain asbestos were posted originally

at ASBESTOS CEILING TILE IDENTIFICATION - be sure to read that article.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2022-07-08 by Will - test report for cellulose ceiling tile - asbestos not detected

This discussion along with asbestos test lab results can now be found in the reader Q&A section of this page:

ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES

On 2022-07-05 by Will

Just curious to get an opinion, I'm sending a sample in, but I was removing a smoke detector in my grandparents home and this is what I came across, ... [see link above - Ed.]

Just wondering if this looks like a tile style that may have asbestos in it? It looks like cellulose, but I won't know until I get the results, just curious to see if anyone else has seen these style tiles before, the house was built in 65-66, with an addition in 86, so I've no idea if the tiles were original or later, and I didn't see any markings on the back of one of the spares that I used to cut samples from.

On 2022-02-21 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Jay,

Please see

DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 Easy Steps to tell if CEILING TILES are likely to contain asbestos

On 2022-02-21 by Jay

Louisville Kentucky— this ceiling tile dates back to somewhere around 1960s. Does it look to contain asbestos ?

On 2022-02-12 by Matthew Edwards - attic photo does not help identify asbestos suspect ceiling tiles

Hello, can someone please tell me if theyve determined these type of tiles to contain asbestos? I know the comments below have stated that sometimes they're used in the paper backing. Is it safe to remove these, or should I get tested prior to removal? Thank you,

On 2022-02-12 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Matthew Edwards,

I can't see ceiling tiles in your photo of an attic, unless it's perhaps two items lying flat in the lower right corner of your photo. Are those fiberglass suspended ceiling sections?

If you see undamaged ceiling tiles that can simply be picked up and bagged, without demolition or creating a dusty mess, it's not likely that there's a detectable hazard.

 

On 2021-04-12 by danjoefriedman (mod) - Masonite-type hardboard backer in 1950s Winnipeg Canada

@DINO CORVELLO, only a lab test can make an absolute certain finding of asbestos content, but from your photo I see what is clearly a Masonite-type hardboard backer.

see details at HARDBOARD Masonite™-like INGREDIENTS

On 2021-04-12 by DINO CORVELLO

do these tiles contain asbestos. 1950's house in winnipeg canada .thanks

On 2020-11-17 by danjoefriedman (mod)

Looks like tan cellulose but as I'm sure you've read a determination from Simply a photograph is not complete

On 2020-11-16 by Joe

1950s house. Basement ceiling tiles. Do they look like asbestos?

On 2021-01-18 - by (mod) -

Tiles made after 1986 would not be expected to contain asbestos. So if you're confident about the manufacture date and Trust the previous owner, then the added value of actually testing for asbestos is reduced.

On 2021-01-17 by Nate

Here’s another view of the back/side.

...

Thanks again for your assistance. It’s been a few days, but I was able to get a photo of the back of one of the ceiling tiles that I showed you the front of a few comments back. No markings, but you can see the material better.

The original owner of our house again confirmed the tiles would have been installed in the late 80’s - 1988 or 1989 to be more precise.

On 2021-01-12 - by (mod) -

"Late 1980s" - after 1986 - would mean much less likely that "new product" - produced after that year in the U.S. - would contain asbestos.

On 2021-01-12 by Nat3e

Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate it. In person, the exposed portion of the tile looks more tan colored than grey, if it makes a difference. I was able to contact the original owner of our home and they said the ceiling tiles were installed in the “late 1980s” (in the USA, to clarify). So, perhaps less likely to contain asbestos? If I wanted to get a tile tested, what is the safest way to remove a portion to send to a lab? Thank you again.

On 2021-01-12 by danjoefriedman (mod)

Nate

Thank you for that further comment. I'm gratified that you've already tried to read the advise that we have offered.

When I don't know anything else about a ceiling tile including the age of the building or its country and city of location or any markings were stampings, what's left is its physical appearance. Some ceiling tiles are quite obviously made from a wood or plant product. Those are usually Brown and fibrous in cross section. Of course I'm sure for you as well a material like fiberglass would be easy to identify. So what's left is ceiling tile like yours that is paper a gray in cross section. Some of those lighter-colored tiles May indeed contain asbestos.

If it's a ceiling tile it usually can be removed and replaced without breaking and therefore the actual risk of releasing measurable levels of hazardous material is probably quite low. If for some reason you were faced with an unavoidable Dusty Miss then my advice is to either treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos, or if you're facing a large cost for doing so then it's worth having a sample tested.

I tried to say dusty mess, sorry that my smart own thought I was talking about a miss. Forgive the awkwardness I'm using my phone to reply to you because my computer melted

On 2021-01-12 by Nate

Thank you. Yes, I have already read this multiple times, but I was hoping for some opinions based on appearance. It is brownish, so I thought perhaps cellulose...

On 2021-01-12 - by (mod) -

DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 Easy Steps to tell if CEILING TILES are likely to contain asbestos -

may be helpful - and if you can date your ceiling tiles as after 1986 and made in the U.S. they're not likely to contain asbestos.

On 2021-01-12 by Nate

@Nate, One more.

...

@Nate Here is another photo as well.

Hello! I have recently become aware that ceiling tiles can contain asbestos and I am now concerned about the ceiling tiles in my basement. The house was built in 1975, but I don’t know if the ceiling tiles are original or if they have been replaced.

There is an extra tile in a bag in my storage room, but I have been nervous to remove it to check for identification on the back.

I am curious if you think these may contain asbestos based on your initial viewing of the photos. Thank you for any insight you can provide.

On 2020-11-22 by (mod) - responding to hazard of a single broken ceiling tile

Sal

One "broken" ceiling tile is not likely to be a significant potential source and perhaps not even a measurable source of of harmful dust unless you somehow ran the entire tile through a macerating grinding device to make a high volume of fine dust and debris.

Watch out: However if you are quite anxious about this question, that anxiety itself is a potential health hazard.

On that basis we have to suggest that you have a sample of the ceiling tile tested

See ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST for access to certified asbestos testing labs

and that you collect and sample and have tested representative samples of settled dust in your home.

See DUST SAMPLING PROCEDURE

Watch out: don't let your broken ceiling tile so capture your concern that you miss attending to far more likely hazards in your home such as fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, or falling down the stairs.

also read OTHER PEOPLE's MONEY

On 2020-11-22 by Sal

Will my personal stuff be ok..there are suitcases and coats and Crimbo decs in there. I havent dared touch it in case was asbestos as have a young son and worried about contaminating everywhere

On 2020-11-22 - by (mod) -

Sal you can absolutely clean up the remains and dust from a broken ceiling tile yourself. Use damp-wiping to pick up all the dust after bagging and tossing out the ceiling tile.

If you have a HEPA_rated vacuum cleaner you can also vacuum up dust with that.

On 2020-11-22 by Sal

I was storing an old suspended ceiling tile in my cupboard on top of some of my belongings. The tile has got broken and bits of it all over my belongings. Am now freaking out in case contained asbestos! Can I clean it up myself and will my belongings be ok? Thank you.

[see photo above]

On 2020-10-23 - by (mod) -

Oggy

I agree with your concluding remark - it looks like a cellulose or wood product and to say more you'd have to have a sample tested.

On 2020-10-22 by oggy

This is tongue and groove ceiling tiles stapled into a wood framework. Each tile Measures 32''x16''. Material is lightweight and cuts with razor knife but disperses as lightweight fine fibers.

I don't see any manufacturing stamp. It looks like cellulose and only a lab test will tell me for sure. What is your opinion?

On 2020-10-17 - by (mod) -

Adam

I doubt
that anyone can make a comment about the presence or absence of an asbestos hazard from your photo or text. However the place looks clean. I doubt if there's something that would be appropriate to do with this point.

If, however, you had a leak the wet drywall or wall cavities or spacers behind or under cabinets that remains a risk of a hidden mold problem that you'd explore if you smelled mold or saw mold.

On 2020-10-17 by Adam

We had a leak coming through our kitchen ceiling from the bathroom above. The leak happened a couple of years ago and was fixed within a day or so, nobody has touched the ceiling since. I have no idea what the ceiling would be made of, but have recently become aware of the use of asbestos in some ceiling products and so am very concerned.

The texture of the ceiling concerns me too. I don’t know whether you’re able to give any advice based on the attached photo? You can see a couple of splits caused in the ceiling by the leak towards the corner.

We live in the UK, the house is over a hundred years old and we have no idea when the ceiling would’ve been put in.

We don’t recall any debris or dust, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t any.

We don’t recall how we dealt with the leak either, we imagine we wiped up anything that landed on surfaces and either threw the cloth in the bin or rinsed it down the sink. We may have used something to catch the drip for a while too, and would probably have cleaned that in the sink.

On 2020-10-14 - by (mod) -

Looks like a cellulose product - let's start answering the question with the questions suggested at DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS?; please take a look and let me know what you think or what questions remain.

On 2020-10-14 by Mike

I have some Drop Ceiling Tiles which at first I thought were fiberglass. Looking closer though it doesn’t seem that way. Would these contain Asbestos?

On 2020-09-13 - by (mod) -

Carlos

That looks like pink styrofoam type foam board.

Insulating foam board will not normally contain asbestos.

See details at FOAM BOARD INSULATION TYPES

On 2020-09-13 by Carlos A.

Hi,
I acquired an apartment and te previous owner left a tile of insulating foam in the kitchen. This was later used by a contractor to help to maintain in place a sink, and cut it in pieces with a saw.

I didn't know the material and I wonder if it could contain asbestos, making that decision of cutting it a real mess. Should I be worried?
Thank you very much.

On 2020-01-31 - by (mod) - Canadian ceiling tile asbestos hazards?

In the ARTICLE INDEX see DOMTAR CEILING TILES

For what we know about your Donnacona ceiling tiles.

On 2020-01-30 by Russell Chappius

I have ceiling tiles that were installed in the late 1970's, They are from Canada. They are called Donnacona........ Chalet Panelette Ceiling tiles.

Thanks Russ

On 2019-12-02 by (mod) - is this a 1970's asbestos-containing ceiling tile?

Ty it's possible that a 1970's ceiling tile contains asbestos - unfortunately I cannot say for sure from just the pattern in your ceiling [shown above]; I suspect, however from its appearance, that this ceiling is newer than 1970.

If you cannot avoid demolishing it you want to either find a manufacturer's brand and product number for research or have a sample tested by an ASBESTOS TEST LAB - see the ARTICLE INDEX.

On 2019-12-10 by Ty - 12x12 ceiling tiles

Buying a home that has these 12x12 ceiling tiles in the upstairs was wondering if anyone has any info on these, as I do not Home was built in 1970
Thanks in advance

On 2019-11-16 by (mod) - asbestos unlikely in a 2007 ceiling product sold in North America

Yoshabe

Well I'm really surprised at your contractor's claim that ceiling tiles sold around 2007 contained asbestos? In what country and city is this home? What is the age of the home?

If the seller has records of purchase of the materials that might put the age and asbestos question to bed. There is no reasonable probability that new ceiling tiles purchased in 2006 or 2007 in the U.S. would be an asbestos product.

I just hate having to say spend more on a question like this but an asbestos test of a representative sample probably costs around $50. which ought to be a trivial expense in the sale of a home.

Do keep us posted.

On 2019-11-16 by yoshabe926

Hello, I am a real estate agent. My client/buyer's contractor told us this ceiling which installed in 2007 contains asbestos.

I do not believe because of the age and it was physically installed by the seller who were in the meeting. Is there tile that contains asbestos even they were purchased in 2007?
Thank you for your reply.

On 2019-11-15 by Martina - ceiling likely to contain asbestos per local contractors

Picture if back of ceiling panel...

On 2019-11-15 by Martina

Hi
We’re in the process of buying a 19th century fixer upper that was last renovated in the 70’s.

On the first floor landing is ceiling tiles that have been identified by contractors and surveyors as likely containing asbestos. We were able to take the ceiling hatch down and so have pictures of the ceiling + hatc

 

On 2019-07-19 by (mod) - are these ceiling panels likely to contain asbestos?

You could just poke gently at a Les visible portion of those ceiling panels to see if it's a soft wood fiber material such as fiberboard. If it is that's not an asbestos product.

However if that's the case you want a layer of fire rated sheetrock or conventional sheetrock or drywall on your ceiling anyway for fire safety. And that case you're killing two birds with one stone that is covering an unknown material and improving the fire safety in the home.

On 2019-07-19 by Rbr8

These panels (? Not sure what size they were originally, but they are varying sizes as installed) are installed in a small area of my home as a kind of drop ceiling using wooden strips. The home was built starting in the 1950s but was a work in progress for decades, according to neighbors.

Based on other materials in the home and ways things were done, I think it is likely that this material was cheap and common but not necessarily meant for this use.

It has small corrugations and gives slightly to pressure with a little crunching sound. Any ideas what they are made of/who made them? Should we test for asbestos before putting a bunk bed in a room with this ceiling?

On 2019-07-13 by (mod) -

I agree that brown cellulosic material is not likely to contain asbestos

. The dust release from a few small holes drilled should be practically nil, and if you want to reduce that risk further, run a HEPA vacuum pick-up next to the drill site during drilling.

On 2019-07-12 by Perrin

These ceiling tiles are 16” wide and about 12’ long.

They go the length of the room throughout the house

I don’t know if they are made as strips or as one solid ceiling that is installed in the factory.

Do these type of ceiling tiles have asbestos in them?

On 2019-07-12 by Perrin - asbestos in mobile home ceiling panels or tiles?

Hi, I live in a 1975 mobile home. I have termites that are tunneling through my ceiling tiles/strips in one room. I was planning on spot treating because I can not tent right now for various reasons but I have to drill holes in the ceiling to do this

.I’m very scared that there could be asbestos in them and my pets and I have been breathing it every time the termites break through.

It appears to be a brown wood fiberboard but I was hoping you would know more. The picture is of a hole in the ceiling where I removed a screw in hook for hanging plants.

On 2019-07-06 by (mod) - cellulosic ceiling tiles are not an asbestos-containing product

Typically cellulosic ceiling tiles are not an asbestos-containing product unless by cross contamination as occurred for a few products made at sites that also handled large volumes of asbestos.

A thorough lab test for asbestos in a ceiling tile may require a look at the surface coatings as well as body of the material.

On 2019-07-06 by Chris

Thank you - I'll follow up after I get word. A couple more pics.

On 2019-07-05 by (mod) - asbestos in 1933 house ceiling tiles?

Looks like a cellulose material. You can find ASBESTOS TEST LABS in the ARTICLE INDEX - send in a sample - it costs less than $50. and that'll give you a more authoritative answer than a simple eyeball guess.

Let me know what you're told and we can comment further.

On 2019-07-05 by Chris

Just pulled down a bunch of drop down ceiling tiles in the basement. No idea when they were installed. House was built in 1933 but the drop down ceiling had to have been significantly later. Now I'm paranoid that I breathed in a bunch of asbestos.

I am going to call someone to come out and take a look on Monday but hoping someone can eyeball this and calm my nerves a bit.

On 2019-07-03 by (mod) - fiberboard (cellulose) ceiling asbestos

That looks like a fiberboard (cellulose) product. Cellulose, if that's what we have here (your photo is a very limited view) is wood - not asbestos.

Use the on-page search box at the top or bottom of this page to find our article on ASBESTOS IN FIBERBOARD to find the rare exceptions.

On 2019-07-03 by David Cameron

I'm working on removing my ceiling and replacing it with drywall. However I have never seen this type of material until I have purchased this house

. I would kindly like to ask if someone could verify if this ceiling tile could potentially contain asbestos material. Thank you very much in advance.

On 2019-06-13 by (mod) -

gary said:
I have a nice house built in 1959 and has nicely painted fiber board on the cieling. Looks like they were layed over the beams before the roofing. I cut a corner off one in a clost and it is fiberous but under a magnifying glass the fibers are shorter and more dence looking.

Obviously hoping its not asbestos. If it is, is it considered safe if it is neatly painted with several layers over the years with no cracks or issues?


Mod: Gary you can use the Add Image button to post an image here.

On 2019-04-25 by TS

@Kmass,@Anonymous,

Hello, I am buying a house with the same exact ceiling tile and I was wondering if you received any further information on whether these contain asbestos. Much appreciated!

On 2019-03-27 by (mod) -

If, James, you have no idea of the building age or probability that the ceiling tiles contain asbestos either treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos or have a sample tested.

See DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? for easy questions you can answer to assess the chances that your ceiling tiles contain asbestos.

On 2019-03-26 by JAMES UNDERWOOD

I have had some ceiling tiles fall from the ceiling. It will be necessary to take the rest down. The tiles are perforated for sound (?) and do not have a smooth surface. Fare not smooth.

On 2019-03-11 by (mod) -

It's not a ceiling tile name that I recognize. If you know the name of the manufacturer or if that is the name of the manufacturer often you can find an answer to your question using patent research

On 2019-03-10 by Frank

Looking at a house that has Makiha ceiling tiles from 1968. Any chance of asbestos?

On 2019-02-19 by (mod) -

It's of course possible, Anon, but what you describe sounds like insulating fiberboard panels -

Take a look at SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD ASBESTOS CONTENT inspectapedia.com/structure/Fiberboard-Sheathing-Asbestos.php

for details about the unlikely possibility that that material contains asbestos.

I'd like to see photos of the ceiling - use the Add Image button.

On 2019-02-19 by Anonymous

My house was built in 1920 and has large ceiling tiles separated by narrow wooden batons , could they be asbestos ?

I know you can’t say for sure! I live in the UK

On 2019-02-14 by Kmass

Hi - Trying to assess likelihood of asbestos in attached ceiling tile.

Would be great if someone could indicate manufacturer. House was built in 1960s in the Northeastern US.

Thanks

Kevin

On 2019-02-09 by Henry

Just curious if these tiles [photo above] have asbestos. There in my kitchen and i wanna remove them.

On 2019-02-07 by (mod) -

Asbestostile

Sure, there could be asbestos-containing ceiling tiles in a 1970 home in North America and in various other parts of the world.

On 2019-02-06 by (mod) -

Bob to me that looks like a more-modern fiberglass bodied ceiling tile.

On 2019-02-06 by Bob B

Does this look like it may contain asbestos? Building is from 1959, in Edmonton, Canada. Image is of the back and side the tile, I have more images. The bottom side is white.

On 2019-02-04 5 by Asbestos tile?

I was trying to secure a loose ceiling tile and about 4 others fell. A few broke when they hit the floor causing a decent dust cloud.

I’m pretty sure I breathed in some of it then vacuumed it up. My neighbor mentioned that there may be asbestos in them. There is no name or numbers stamped on them. House built in 1970, don’t know age of tiles. Asbestos?

On 2019-01-25 by Harold Young

Sorry you can PM at haroldbodeen@hotmail.com with your response if you prefer not to post concerning my question about the previous question

On 2019-01-25 by Harold Young

Does John Manville 1960 12 inch acoustical tiles labeled Firedike Fire Retardent tiles contain asbestos

On 2019-01-17 by (mod) - OK to paint old ceiling tiles to help seal against fibre or asbestos

I would not assume that an air conditioning contractor would comment on asbestos suspect ceiling tiles unless she had to remove or damage them;

I would not count on all home inspectors to mention asbestos-suspect materials; some, perhaps many, as do standards, exclude environmental hazards - in part as a way to reduce their annoyance to realtors.

I'm not sure what 'pass inspection' actually means - as I'm not aware of a pass-fail type inspection by home inspectors nor most others.

Even if the ceiling tiles do contain asbestos,

Asbestos is safe and legal to leave in place [if intact, un-damaged, not shedding] and is best left alone / covered over if at all possible; demolition or making a dusty mess is where the worst hazards lie.

It would be prudent to treat the ceiling as presumed to contain asbestos, OR IF you must disturb the ceiling, have a sample tested first.

Yes it is ok to spray or paint ceiling tiles to improve their encapsulation. There may be special encapsulating paints that are most effective.

On 2019-01-17 by PatiBea

I'm buying a house with tiles that look like these. The house is from 1947. The current owners didn't have a mortgage, so they might not have had a home inspection.

The a/c was recently replaced, and I would think that an a/c contractor would have to be notified if these are asbestos. I would like to paint them (spray). If I can even pass inspection and take possession, is it okay to spray paint these tiles?

On 2019-01-16 by Gabe

@Shah,
DON'T KNOW ABOUT TILES BUT THE LATH AND PLASTER UNDER MAYBE CONTAINING....

On 2019-01-12 by (mod) -

I doubt anyone can say from your photo, Mislu - but if you know the country, city, and age of the building or better, age of the ceiling, that would perhaps permit a guess. For an authoritative answer about asbestos content a photo like this alone wont' suffice; you'll need a lab test.

On 2019-01-12 by Mislu

Are these tiles asbestos

On 2019-01-01 by Marin

Hello. I wonder if anyone can help me and see whether these tiles could be containing asbestos. Unfortunately I'm in a country where testing is not available.

OWA Acoustic Ceiling Tiles

This Q&A moved to OWA CEILING TILES

Sheres Ceiling Tiles

This Q&A moved to SHERES CEILING TILES

...

Continue reading  at DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? or see ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST for access to certified asbestos testing labs, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• ASBESTOS CEILING TILE IDENTIFICATION - 5 Easy Steps to tell if CEILING TILES are likely to contain asbestos
• ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES
• ASBESTOS-SUSPECT CEILING COVEROVER
• ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST - certified asbestos testing labs
• DOES THIS MATERIAL CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 easy questions to tell if a BUILDING MATERIAL probably contains asbestos -
• HAZARD vs RISK - what's the difference, why you should care

Suggested citation for this web page

ASBESTOS CEILING TILE FAQs-7 at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ASBESTOS HAZARDS

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