FAQs about ceiling tiles that might be free of asbestos.:

Q&A on how to recognize ceiling tiles by visual inspection to note clear evidence of non-asbestos materials such as fiberglass, and how to confirm that othe ceiling tiles or suspended ceiling panels are asbestos free by a simple lab test.

Look through these ceiling tile photos and questions from InspectApedia.com readers and our replies to help make a reasonable guess at whether or not your ceiling tiles contain asbestos.

Below we also link to five simple steps to making a good estimate of the chances that your ceiling tiles are an asbestos-containing material.

This article series assists building buyers, owners or inspectors who need to identify asbestos materials (or probable-asbestos) in buildings by simple visual inspection.

FAQs on How to Visually Recognize or Test for Ceiling Tiles that don't contain asbestos - or might

These questions and answers about ceiling tiles that do not contain asbestos were posted originally

at ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES - be sure to see that article and

also see ASBESTOS CEILING TILE IDENTIFICATION for a discussion of ceiling materials that DO contain asbestos.

Does this gray acoustic ceiling tile contain asbestos?

Hi I plan on sending this out but wanted an opinion I started demo of this closet and was a little nervous after seeing these tiles.

This was a furnace closet and they lined it with these tiles for the noise absorbtion. The furnace removed was from the 1980's the house was built in 1933. I assume the tiles are from the 80's due to renovations.

On 2023-02-14 by Sevans55217

Reply by InspectApedia Editor

@Sevans55217,

Although your tiles look similar to ones we had tested and discuss at ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES as not containing asbestos, that is not a guarantee of being asbestos free as other similar tiles may contain asbestos.

If they are from the early 1980s, it is possible that they may contain asbestos as it was not discontinued entirely until 1986 in North America.

Your testing will give you a definitive answer and we'd like to hear the results of your testing as that will help other readers also.

In the meantime, see the live link in the Recommended Articles list above for

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

You may have additional information about these tiles that help answer some of these questions and give you a better idea of their content.

Will 1960s 12-inch ceiling tiles contain asbestos?

I have white 12 inch square ceiling tiles that are stapled in from the the 1960s. Would there be asbestos in these? On 2022-11-04 by Anonymous

by InspectApedia (Editor) - 1960s ceiling tiles might contain asbestos

@Anonymous,

It's possible that your ceiling tiles contain asbestos if they were in deed manufactured in the 1960s, but not all such ceiling tiles do contain that material.

This article:

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 be helpful.

Does this ceiling tile look like an asbestos-containing product?

Do these look to contain asbestos? Will take a piece for testing and update. Just looking for opinions thanks. On 2022-09-10 by Johnna

Answer by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - probably not: looks like a wood- or plant-based fiber product ceiling tile

@Johnna,

The edge of that ceiling tile looks like a wood- or plant-based fiber product.

Please take a look at

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

where you'll see that providing a little contextual information allows a "best guess" at the asbestos ceiling tile question - that's about as far as we should go without testing.

IF you had to do a dusty demolition it'd be cost-justified to have the ceiling tested for asbestos.

by Patrick

@Johnna, any update on test results? We have something very similar on our basement ceiling.

by Johnna

RE-posting from private email

Hey Daniel, I got a test and the tile did not contain asbestos. If you want to update the thread. Thanks for helping!

Mon, Sep 12, 2022

by InspectApedia Publisher - ceiling tile asbestos test report

@Johnna

Thank you for taking the time to follow up I certainly will add that information as it will be helpful to others. If you want to share your asbestos report I'd like to see it. Of course we wouldn't publish your personal information.

Readers can see a redacted copy of this CEILING TILE ASBESTOS TEST REPORT [PDF] confirming that asbestos was not detected

Special thanks to our InspectApedia reader.

Edge view of asbestos-free or asbestos-suspect ceiling tile, white on room side, brown on back

There are no numbers or brands on the ceiling tiles. Do you think they have asbestos? Some have been damaged and we are going to take them down. They are white on one side and brown on the back. Thanks

On 2022-02-24 by Beth

Ceiling tile asbestos advice by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Beth,

Unfortunately we can't make a reliable "asbestos or not" guess on ceiling tiles from your photo of the ceiling’s exposed-surface alone, nor building age alone, unless the age of your building itself places it after asbestos was common in products like ceiling and floor tiles in your country. For the U.S. that’s 1986.

See

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

will let you make the best guess you can, pending actually having a ceiling tile sample tested for asbestos.

Notice: Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air. If your ceiling is un-damaged and is not being disturbed by demolition or renovations, it is not at all likely that hazardous asbestos would be detected in your building’s air or dust from that source.

I'm having this ceiling tile from a 1960s house tested for asbestos - looks like cellulose

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, never thought about the possibility of asbestos in the tiles, it did crumble a bit (so I guess there's a possibility I've been exposed to a minor amount at least, but was wearing safety glasses and a basic mask, better than nothing I suppose), but I wiped everything off with damp cloths and washed everything.

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 2022-07-05 by Will

Opinion by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - ceiling tile looks like a wood fiber product (not asbestos)

@Will,

That looks like a wood fibre product, but we can't be confident on the ceiling tile asbestos question without a manufacturer or product and date identification.

The pattern is a common one provided by multiple manufacturers. Certainly some 1960s ceiling tiles contained asbestos.

To make a reasonable guess, pending your lab results, a bit of surrounding data (some of which you've already provided) would be helpful: see

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

and do let us know

Test report for cellulose ceiling tile - asbestos NOT detected in these 1960s ceiling tiles

InspectApedia-911, You're welcome, I've gone ahead and sent an email to the contact address with

a copy of the CEILING TILE ASBESTOS TEST REPORT [PDF] [redacted to remove personal information - Ed.]

And much appreciation to this website, is truely very helpful with information on what to look for and testing recommendations. I'm happy to contribute what I can. On 2022-07-08 by Will -

by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Will,

Thank you, yes it would be very useful to have a copy of the report on file. Naturally anything that we provide publicly is redacted to protect your personal information

You can use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send us email.

by Will

@InspectApedia-911, Was very glad that was the result indeed, bit of a relief now, and you're welcome, happy to follow up, and a big thanks for all the information on this site, was thanks to find this place that I found the lab that I sent my sample off to. I'd be happy to send a redacted copy of the report if wanted.

by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Will,

Good news, and thank you for following up as your results will help others.

by Will

@InspectApedia-911, Thanks so much again for the replies. I got the results back today from the extra tile I used to cut a sample from, they do not contain asbestos, they are 90% cellulose.

by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Will,

Thank you for that added detail. The bottom line is that if you're not disturbing the ceiling tiles by chopping grinding sawing or sanding then there's no measurable hazard from the tiles ingredients.

Although there are of course special paints used to seal asbestos or asbestos suspect surfaces, for a tiny area like the one in your photo a quick shot with a white spray lacquer could stabilize the surface.

by Will

@InspectApedia-911, Thanks so much for the reply, unfortunately the original box they came in probably was discarded decades ago, they were just in a generic box, and carefully checking the tiles, I can't find a manufacturer mark or any indication, all that seems to be on the back of these is a left and right arrow marking how to place it, I thought maybe they just faded out, but I didn't see a mark on any of the spares, but it's possible I missed it.

I know the house was built in about 65, then it was sold to my grandparents in 1980, in about 1986 they had an addition added, bearing in mind they did run a group home for awhile, the owners before them ran a group home for the state as well, but I'm not certain if Florida required asbestos testing during that time period or not for things of that nature.

I know they required some kind of radiation test, radon possibly, at least according to my grandmother, but she can't remember any other tests they did, and I'm not certain if disclosure was required before a sale in 1980 of any asbestos product.

So unfortunately, aside from pending test results there's not much to go on, unfortunately I can't even find a manfacturer, unless again maybe they used small markings or something of that nature during that time that I may have missed, and surprisingly I've never heard anyone ever mention anything about them, and I'm surprised none of them have a date mark or anything.

At the moment all I've done is remove a smoke detector, and some did flake down, but I stopped after seeing that (after I became more unsure of what I was dealing with) and sent a sample off today. I will definitely be sure to post a follow up when I get the test results.

Will these 12" (305mm) Canadian Esso brand ceiling tiles contain asbestos?

Hello. I have Esso Esteem ceiling tiles, 12 inches by 12 inches, tongue and groove. I can't find anything about them.

Can you help me determine if they contain asbestos? I want to remove some of them as part of a renovation.

[Photo shown above - Ed.] On 2021-10-24 by Alain

Answer by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - Asbestos unlikely in Esso Classic ceiling tiles sold in Canada

@Alain,

Thank you for the photo and the question evolving Esso brand ceiling tiles.

Also a photo of the edge of the ceiling tile and the back and the exposed surface would be good to document this question.

As you know ESSO was an oil company. apparently also for a time engaged in the production of some building materials.

The "ESSO" Trademark was registered in Canada on 11/11/1926 and pertained to a wide range of products;

Among Esso's building materials that carried the Esso trademark (*ESSO in an oval as shown in your photo) were Esso's fibreboard ceiling tiles and lay-in panels.

- Source: ESSO Trademark History ESSO - 0130671 [PDF] Canadian Government Patent Office, retrieved 2021/10/25, original source: http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/opic-cipo/trdmrks/srch/viewTrademark.html

Fibreboard is normally a wood-product, not an asbestos product. So chances are your Esso ceiling tiles don't contain asbestos (though to be 100% certain you'd have a lab test performed).

Also see FIBERBOARD ASBESTOS CONTENT

We will do some additional research to see what we can find. If you can provide clear photos of any other stamps or markings on your ceiling product, including patent numbers, that would be helpful.

 

 

Photo of all-white friable ceiling tiles - an asbestos risk

I have these ceiling tiles. Very friable material painted white, could it be asbestos?

On 2021-10-16 by Simone

Reply by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Simone,

Please see

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

Asbestos in acoustic tiles used in a British telephone booth?

I have a custom made wooden British phone booth and it has these titles inside it.

I have had it for years.

I never thought about it, but now I have a kid and I wondered if these are asbestos.

On 2021-09-20 by Luella

Answer by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - asbestos not likely in tan wood-fibre acoustic ceiling tiles of British phone booth

@Luella,

Usually those tan fibrous ceiling tiles are wood-fibres.

So your British Phone Booth ceiling tiles, an acoustic tile intended to reduce un-wanted noise for people using the phone booth, are not likely to be an asbestos product.

Also see

DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS?

- 5 Easy Steps to tell if CEILING TILES are likely to contain asbestos -

inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Ceiling_Tiles.php#asbmaybe

Worried that this yellow fibrous acoustic ceiling tile is an asbestos prodcut

Hi this the image of the celing of my basement room where i am living and i am worried if this contains asbestos or its just the normal wood or cellulite pls help me

On 2021-06-10 by Anika

Reply by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Anika, that looks like a wood / cellulose product, but See

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

That will let you make the best guess you can pending actually having a ceiling tile sample tested for asbestos.

by Anika

@inspectapedia.com.moderator, thanks a lot for ur suggestions i would definitely do that

by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - tan woody fiber ceiling tiles not likely to contain asbestos: paint to stabilize

@Anika,

Keep in mind that ceiling tiles, like floor tiles, don't shed measurable or hazardous levels of particles when they are in good condition. If that hole in a ceiling tile in your photos is the only damage on your ceiling, it's not significant.

To stabilize against fiber shedding or ceiling damage you might want to spray paint that little damaged area with a color matched paint.

by Anika

@Anika, thanks a lot for such prompt reply of yours since i have a baby staying with me that was wherr my worry started still attaching a clear image for yout reference purpose and as its a rented house i am not very sure if my landlord will agree for any such kind of celing tests but even i guess its a wood/cellulose

 

How do I answer the asbestos question if I don't know the brand and there are no numbers or stamps on my ceiling tiles?

Hi this the image of the celing of my basement room where i am living and i am worried if this contains asbestos or its just the normal wood or cellulite. pls help me i cant find the brand name nor can i find the code number written on this celing this house is old and i am staying for rent pls help me

On 2021-06-08 by Kavita

Reply by (mod) -

@Kavita,

Thank you for the photo and asbestos question.

Unfortunately we can't make a reliable "asbestos or not" guess on ceiling tiles from your photo of the ceiling’s exposed-surface alone, nor building age alone, unless the age of your building itself places it after asbestos was common in products like ceiling and floor tiles in your country. For the U.S. that’s 1986.

See
DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 Easy Steps to tell if CEILING TILES are likely to contain asbestos - that will let you make the best guess you can pending actually having a ceiling tile sample tested for asbestos.

Notice: Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air. If your ceiling is un-damaged and is not being disturbed by demolition or renovations, it is not at all likely that hazardous asbestos would be detected in your building’s air or dust from that source.

by Kavita

Thanks a lot for your valuable suggestions

Perforated acoustic ceiling tiles in a 1930s house: likely to contain asbestos?

Hello, I have acoustic tiles around the window frames in my 1930s house - they are identical in appearance to some shown on your website. (If you know the brand name of these I’d be interested) The inside looks like wood fibre. Do you think they are likely to contain asbestos?

On 2021-05-12 by Helen

Reply by (mod) -

@Helen,

Most often ceiling tiles that clearly look like a wood or cellulose product are not an asbestos material but of course no one can be 100% certain I an image and no other data.

At ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILESare some other suggestions for you.

Worried about asbestos in drop ceiling (suspended ceiling) tiles

Hello,

I was working in building maintaining equipment that was covered with dust from drop ceiling tiles that will removed sometime before.

Do these drop ceiling tiles look like they contain asbestos? I was not in a position to look for any labels or markings on the tiles.

I’m really really concerned I had to work in this environment that potentially could have contain asbestos to debris.

Any help would be appreciated. On 2021-05-11 by Thomas

Notes by (mod) - gray / white ceiling tile base more likely to contain asbestos; don't make dust nor demolish

@Thomas,

I'm sorry I don't recognize that ceiling tile. You would need to either test the tile or if you had dust or Dusty clothing from working in a highly Dusty area following the removal of those tiles you could have that tested for asbestos

. In any event you're not in that environment now so the thing to do is make sure that you have thoroughly cleaned any clothing or other items that were Dusty.

As a wild guess: I THINK that through its colouring I see what may be cellulosic or wood-material fibres - not an asbestos material - that was spray-painted white, but I can't really know; when we see gray or whitish material in the body of a ceiling tile in my OPIION it's a stronger candidate for an asbestos-containing product.

Color & Texture Can Suggest Plant or Wood Fiber - Ccellulose in a Ceiling Tile?

I know you cannot be sure, but from reading prior comments and pictures does this sample seem to be wood or cellulose ?

On 2021-02-10 by Matt Nolan

Reply by (mod) -

Typically if you see a tan paper-like or fibrous material that is not fiberglass then it's a wood or bagasse or sugar cane or a similar vegetable product. But you will want to review the cases of even occasional cross-contamination of such material.

Asbestos in fibrous ceiling tiles spray painted white?

Hi do these look like asbestos containing?

On 2021-02-01 by Jenna

by (mod)

Jenna, I do not know - you'd need to test the ceiling for an authoritative answer to the asbestos question, but when we see gray or whitish material in the body of a ceiling tile in my OPIION it's a stronger candidate for an asbestos-containing product.

Possibly, you'd need to consider more information.

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

From enlarging your photo I see that we might be looking at brown fibrous ceiling tile material that was sprayed with white paint

Scared of pulling off duct tape on a suspended ceiling tile: Asbestos hazard?

I was painting drop ceiling tiles and removed a piece of duct tape which had been stuck to the ceiling, in doing so it tore some of the paper off of the tile.

Does this look like asbestos? Will painting over this damage seal it? The paper is white, the underneath was a woody color... thank you. On 2020-12-13 by SG

Reply by (mod) -

Painting over it is a perfect thing to do.

OPINION: Unless there was a visible amount of dust created by your removal of that bit of duct tape I suspect that there is no meaningful nor detectable hazard from that event.

Is this 1950s Tan / Brown Fibrous Ceiling Tile an Asbestos Product?

Was wondering if this is possibly asbestos. The house was built in 1955 and this in a garage as the ceiling panels. There was an addition put on later on the has a similar but seems less quality material as it says in between studs. This is the sample on the 1955 part. On 2020-12-10 by Brad

Opinion by (mod) - Brown wood fibrous ceiling tiles less-likely to contain asbestos

Brad, that looks like a wood fibre material, but for better guess at ceiling tile asbestos see DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS?

inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Ceiling_Tiles.php#asbmaybe

Also, use the on-page Search Box to find our article on FIBERBOARD panels as I suspect what you have there is a bit of fiberboard or Beaver Board or a similar product.

To know for certain you'd need to have a sample tested for asbestos.

 

Is this drop tile ceiling from 1973 asbestos?

Just moved into home which was built in 1973 our inspector said the drop tiles was from the 70s and we should check maybe for absestos not sure if these tiles may have it . On 2020-08-23 by Thomas

Answer by (mod) - suggestion for how to look further at a suspended ceiling tile to rule asbestos out or possible

Thomas

One can't say by the photo alone if your ceiling tiles contain asbestos. Take a look at an edge of these drop-in ceiling sections. If you see fiberglass you have an easy answer. If not, you'd need to test a sample for asbestos.

 

Are these old damaged perforated ceiling tiles safe?

I just moved into a new building for work that I believe was built in the 50s or 60s. Some of the ceiling tiles are in disrepair. Based on what I have seen, it looks like it is cellulose and not asbestos, but I wanted to get some opinions

. I know you can't know for sure without testing, but how likely is it? I'd rather not cause a fuss at work, especially, since it should not be disturbed anyway. Does it appear safe in the state it is in? On 2020-06-22 by Jose

Suggestion by (mod) -

That looks like a cellulose material, but I can't bet your health and money on a photo. I'd have a sample tested,
OR
treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos,

Risk of asbestos in tongue-and-groove ceiling tiles from the 1950s

Asbestos? Cardboard feeling tongue and groove square tiles for ceilings - On 2020-05-16 by Alisa

These are square tongue and groove ceiling titles. House was built in 1953, not sure when they were installed as a basement ceiling. Asbestos?

Opinion by mod

Usually a brown or tan fibrous ceiling tile material is a paper or plant or wood fibre based product.

Confirm that perforated ceiling tiles shown were found not to contain asbestos

I believe these match the ones in the article that tested negative. Can someone confirm? On 2020-04-18 by Jeremy

Answer by (mod) -

Looks like a cellulose product although it's not exactly the same as the similar one at the top of ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES. You'll notice that one has a blue line on the tile.

by Anonymous

Thank you for the reply! Is Cellulose an asbestos containing product?

Reply by (mod) -

Cellulose = wood - wood is not asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral fiber.

Is Asbestos likely in these 12-inch off-white ceiling tiles?

Hey There,

I was wondering if these contain asbestos?

12" x 12" off white, cardboard texture. On 2020-04-14 by Riles

Opinion by (mod) -

It's a bit of a dark blurry photo but from what I can see this looks like a cellulose or fiberboard based material adjacent to what looks like plastic or vinyl surfaced hardboard paneling.

Do Plastic Coated fiberglass ceiling tiles contain asbestos

Do fiberglass ceiling tiles with plastic coating on the exterior side contain asbestos? I bought a house build in 1967 and the guest bedroom has a drop ceiling with a lightweight, fiberglass panel. On 2020-03-05 by Tracy

Answer by mod: No but ... look up!

No, Tracy. Fiberglass is not an asbestos-containing material nor would be the plastic "skin" on fiberglass ceiling tiles.

But

Watch out: if a suspended ceiling is installed below asbestos containing products such as roofing or spray-on insulation or pipe insulation, it could become contaminated with asbestos dust and debris. So look up to see what's above your drop ceiling.

 

Asbestos risk for tan fiberboard panels used as ceiling in a 1955 home?

Was wondering if this is possibly asbestos. The house was built in 1955 and this in a garage as the ceiling panels.

There was an addition put on later on the has a similar but seems less quality material as it says in between studs. This is the sample on the 1955 part. On 2020-12-10 by Brad

Answer by (mod) - where to read about asbestos risk in fiberboard products

Brad, that looks like a wood fibre material, but for better guess at ceiling tile asbestos - probably a conventional fiberboard sheathing or insulating board.

Read details at

SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD ASBESTOS CONTENT 

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

 

Do these 1950s ceiling tiles contain asbestos?

I was wondering if these tiles were likely to contain asbestos. We started taking some down but then stopped. We believe the tile contains asbestos as well! Thank you so much. On 2020-12-10 by Jennifer S

Opinion by (mod) - can't reliably guess at asbestos in a remote view of old ceiling tiles - floor tiles may well contain asbestos

Regrets, Jennifer but about your ceiling, I don't think anyone can say from just the photo.

Regarding the flooring this early looks like asphalt- or vinyl- asbestos floor tile from the 50s or 60s

Is there asbestos in Hansonite SwanBoard ceiling tiles?

Hansonite swan board 2x2 ceiling tiles made in Sweden, are these an asbestos risk? Thanks. [Photo above] On 2020-12-08 by Victor

by (mod) - asbestos was used in some Elof Hansson products made in Sweden

Victor

From your photo it certainly looks like a fiberglass or fiberglass composite product or hard pressed fiberboard tile.

Do you know its age or the age of the building? If these ceilings are well past 1976 they're not likely to contain asbestos.

Preliminary research on SwanBoard finds that the trademark for that product line has expired.

Research results for Swan Board, Swanboard, and Hansoite:

• SWANBOARD AB, 66203 Svanskog Sweden SE
  
  
• Contact Markforce Associates, 85 Strand , London UNITED KINGDOM WC2R 0DW
  Excerpt:
  
  On Tuesday, August 27, 1985, a United Kingdom trademark registration was filed for SWANBOARD by Swanboard AB 66203 Svanskog, Sweden SE. The United Kingdom IP office has given the trademark application number of UK00001249209. The current status of this trademark filing is Dead.
  
  The correspondent listed for SWANBOARD is Markforce Associates of Markforce Associates, 85 Strand, London, UNITED KINGDOM WC2R 0DW The SWANBOARD trademark is filed in the category of Non-Metallic Building Material Products.
• Elof Hansson, Inc., who produced a range of insulation and fireproofing products for both buildings and vehicles also produced Hansonite Random Perforated ceiling tiles,
  
  Note: there was at least one Hansonite product, Hansonite fiber cement board, that is listed as a product containing asbestos.
  
  The 1962 Elof Hansson Inc. Catalog shown below lists asbestos-based sound control boards.
  
  
  
  See also
• Hillerdal, Gunnar. The Swedish experience with asbestos: history of use, diseases, legislation, and compensation [PDF]  International journal of occupational and environmental health 10, no. 2 (2004): 154-158.
  
  Excerpt: After World War II, large quantities of asbestos were imported to Sweden and used in construction and ship building. In 1976, the use of asbestos was for practical purposes prohibited.
• Albin M. Asbestos exposure and risk among asbestos cement workers. Studies of exposure and fibre concentrations, retention patterns and histopathological changes in lung tissue, and cancer risk, mortality and survival. Medical Thesis, Lund, Sweden, 1992.
  

Asbestos in gray ceiling tile?

Hello, any idea whether this tile is likely to contain asbestos?

I found it under old loft boards that I pulled up, wasn't expecting it to be there so have disturbed it and it's in poor condition.

No idea why it was there or where it came from. Any help is appreciated. On 2020-11-30 by Lee

Guess by (mod) -

Lee

Best bet: take a look at the four simple "does this ceiling tile contain asbestos?" steps at the top of ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES - that's more complete than an off-the-cuff reply here.

Please let me know if any information you come across at InspectApedia.com is unclear or if you have other content suggestions or criticism.

Asbestos in yellow-tan Wood-Like Ceiling Tiles?

I removed this tile a few months back from the ceiling. House is 1955. Unsure of installation. What’s done is done. I wore glasses and a surgical mask. Appears wood like in appearance. Any thoughts? Trying to figure out if I need to get it tested. On 2020-11-24 by Aaron

Reply by (mod) -

I agree that that looks like a cellulose or wood or plant-based material. Be absolutely certain that it contains no asbestos you would, however, have a lab test performed. That might be justified if the possibility of us best it was me that you face a large clean up expense. Otherwise it's probably not

Asbestos in painted Gray-Brown Paper-Fiber Cardboard-like ceiling tiles?

I was wondering if these ceiling tiles contain asbestos it’s a white painted top with a cardboard like material on the back I couldn’t find anything to identify anything about them. I just know our house was built in 1954 On 2020-11-04 by Mike

Suggestion by (mod) -

It's possible, Mike; I can't identify the ceiling tile from photos alone; you'd either treat the ceiling as presumed to contain asbestos or have a sample tested.

If you decide to have it tested be sure to let me know what you find.

Asbestos in soft plastic-coated ceiling tiles? Fiberglass?

Hi, I am wondering if these tiles are asbestos. The are soft and appear to have a coating over them.

The inside is a yellowish material. I am unsure of the year or Manufacturerer. Also, they are drop ceiling in a row home living room. On 2020-10-22 by Mike

Good guess by (mod) - fiberglass is not asbestos

Looks like fiberglass ceiling panels with a thin plastic cosmetic skin or surface;

Is there Asbestos in Brown-Core Painted New Zealand ceiling tiles from 1978?

Do these contain asbestos? The core is brown, and the surface is painted white. NZ home built in 1978

Do these look like they contain asbestos?

Am in NZ and the house was built 1978.

am assuming its a wood or cellulose based product as it is brown all they way through and painted white on the surface. On 2020-01-22 by Laura -

Answer by (mod) - often "brown" cellulose-like ceiling tiles don't contain asbestos

Laura often "brown" cellulose-like ceiling tiles don't contain asbestos but forgive-me nobody can say for sure what an acoustic ceiling tile contains from just a photo -

However some useful questions to help make a reasonable guess are in the ARTICLE INDEX including

DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS?

Also see PINEX CEILING TILES - a New Zealand product.

Asbestos in tongue and groove ceiling tiles

I have a sagging ceiling tile. Concerned regarding asbestos ive sent a pic. Let me know what your thoughts are.... rglock951@aol.com

On 2020-01-07 by Renee

by (mod) - asbestos in sagging ceiling?

All we can see is the surface of your ceiling tiles; Without even a guess at their age and country of origin, it's hard to say with no other information whether or not these ceiling tiles contain asbestos; some are a mere cellulose or wood product.

Click the live link found at

Continue reading at the bottom of this page: DO THESE CEILING TILES1978- CONTAIN ASBESTOS?

Will these Ceiling tiles in a 1989 home contain asbestos?

Damaged ceiling tiles throughout leisure centre... built in 1989 and dont think been refurbished since... On 2020-01-05 by Dean Parker

Reply by (mod) -

In North America the ceiling products were made or installed before 1986, treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos.

That's a quote from the article ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES

As your building is 3 years newer than the date it seems unlikely that the ceiling would have been in asbestos containing products. Only if an installer knowingly kept and used new "old product" ceiling tiles would that be plausible.

How can I check on the risk that this ceiling contains asbestos?

Hi, I am looking at a property recently but found the ceiling like the picture shows which one of my friends indicated it may be asbestos. Would you like to help to check? On 2019-09-15 by Nathan

Step by step advice by (mod) - Questions to Sort out: Does this Ceiling Tile Contain Asbestos/

Nathan

When we know absolutely nothing about a ceiling tile but someone's worried that it may contain asbestos, there are several questions that can be asked (and answered) that permit a reasonable guess ruling in or out the possibility that the ceiling product contains asbestos.

What you show in your photo looks like a "popcorn spray" ceiling coating.

Watch out: be sure to review CEILING PAINT TEXTURED / POPCORN ASBESTOS

If I'm mistaken and this is actually a ceiling tile installation then address these questions:

1. What is the AGE of the Ceiling Tile?

What is the age of the building? When were renovations done? Determine or guess at the building age, years when remodeling was done, year when the ceiling tiles were installed, consider also, in an older building that older layers could contain asbestos (or lead or other hazards)

In North America the ceiling products were made or installed before 1986, treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos.

To identify asbestos ceiling tiles

see ASBESTOS CEILING TILE IDENTIFICATION

If you don't know the brand name of your flooring, continue with steps 2-5 below.

2. What are the General Ceiling Tile Pattern, Size, Type match against pattern guides given in the indexes we just cited above

3. Look for a ceiling tile brand, pattern name, number, style

If accessible, look for stampings or markings on the back of the ceiling tiles or

Occasionally we can find extra ceiling tiles stored in an attic, basement, or garage. An earlier owner or perhaps the installer left these for future repairs.

If you have ceiling tile packaging, take a look at the packaging, box brand, label, floor tile style or pattern.

Often the manufacturer and product or serial number can identify ceiling tiles in exquisite detail.

If you can not see a flooring brand name or pattern for your ceiling tile material, as you usually won't, you should either


4. Lab test a ceiling tile sample for asbestos content: if you face a costly dusty messy demolition it may be appropriate to have a sample of the ceiling tile tested.

If you have time and about $50. U.S.D. you can have a ceiling tile sample tested for asbestos using one of the certified asbestos testing labs in

this ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST

Watch out: however: some ceiling materials are made in three or more layers - multiple tests might be needed.

Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air.

Generally the safest and most-economical approach is to leave asbestos-suspect ceilings in place, covering it over. In that case you do not need to test a sample for asbestos.

Treat the ceiling as PACM - Presumed Asbestos Containing Material - that means avoid making a dusty mess with grinding, sawing, chopping, etc. - ceiling tiles shed virtually nothing if not disturbed

Encapsulate or cover over the material, leaving it in place: generally the safest and least-costly approach to most asbestos-containing materials

However IF you must demolish the ceiling AND you cannot remove it without creating a dusty mess, STOP and either treat the ceiling as presumed to contain asbestos or have a sample tested.

Our ARTICLE INDEX includes contact information for certified asbestos test labs in your country.

 

How worried should I be that these ceiling tiles may contain asbestos?

About a year and a half ago my wife embarked on a home renovation project with a contractor we hired. To save money, my wife did a lot of the demolition herself. She was essentially re-finishing a finished attic space to make a master bedroom.

One of the first things she did was remove the ceiling tiles.

The contractor that we were working with said that the tiles we needed to worry about were drop ceiling tiles, in particular, and ones with a white/grey core. He said that our tiles had a brown core with wood fibers and was therefore cellulose.

So my wife ripped them out with all of the wood paneling and the carpet. I was fine thinking that they were cellulose, I could see the wood fibers that the tile was composed of. But a few days ago, I saw your site was saying that some cellulose tiles contained asbestos.

I am concerned that we've been living in a contaminated house for the last year and a half and have lost quite a bit of sleep.

Had I thought there was a chance there was asbestos in the tile, I would have had it tested, but everyone seemed so clear that it was cellulose and not harmful.

How concerned should I be that we've done irreparable damage to our health? The 'before" pictures are below. - Anonymous by private email On 2019-08-29 by Anonymous:

Moderator reply:

Thanks for the question and photos.

Regrettably the worry about this theoretical exposure to asbestos may itself be a greater health risk than the dust itself.

If you have no samples of material left and no photos of it we're left with so much speculation that I think there's not much to do here.

Cellulose is not an asbestos containing material.

Wood fibers (a form of cellulose of course) are also not an asbestos containing material.

Really? Help me make sure our InspectApedia.com information is clear and accurate by telling me where you read that cellulose is an asbestos worry and I'll be glad to review and research further.

We discuss cellulose and wood fiber products used both as insulation and in ceiling tiles at:

ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES

CELLULOSE LOOSE FILL INSULATION

INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

There's not much benefit in closing the barn door after the horse has leapt over "the wall" but a couple of thoughts:

1. discuss health worries with your doctor; for people at extra risk there may be some follow-up exam she'll recommend.

2. test representative building dust: you can confirm that there's not likely to be a remaining hazardous dust in the work area by collecting a sample of settled dust that represents the demolition phase of your project and having that examined for abnormal or high levels of hazardous particles.

See TEST KIT for DUST, MOLD, PARTICLES: INSTRUCTIONS

Should I be concerned about asbestos in this brown 1981 ceiling tile?

I was unaware ceiling tiles had asbestos and I removed several of these before finding this website. The tiles were installed in 1981- that is the only information I can find.

There is no identification stamp on the back but I have attached a picture. Should I be concerned? On 2019-06-21 by Anonymous

Answer by (mod) - brown fibrous ceiling tile probably a cellulose or wood-fiber product

Ceiling & flooring tiles produced in the U.S. up until about 1986 may contain asbestos

(By some reports additional if less-common asbestos ceiling materials such as sprays used in some areas up to even the early 1990's contained asbestos).

Your photo of a ceiling tile Looks like brown, fibrous cellulose-type material. (Wood isn't asbestos).

In any event if you didn't make a dusty mess the potential dust hazard's would typically be low.

You can clean up with damp wiping and HEPA vacuuming to be extra safe.

Or have a sample tested.

Here's a bit of my ceiling tile: is this asbestos?

On 2019-06-10 by lesmelrob83014

by (mod) - ceiling tile fragment material guess: cellulose

The tiny scrap of material [shown below] in a hand looks to me like a cellulose product.

But generally a good approach is to find the age of the ceiling tile and depending on the country where you live you can immediately rule in or out the possibility that it could contain asbestos.

If you don't know the age you can sometimes do a product search based on the product name and control number and you can find when it was manufactured.

Will this bar code tell me if this Chablis-64 ceiling tile contains asbestos?

Wondering if This ceiling tile contains asbestos

On 2019-04-23 by Chad

Reply by (mod) -

I don't know how to translate the phrase ambient asbestos content.

Ambient in general means related to surrounding conditions such as ambient light meaning the light in a particular area or ambient temperature the temperature in a particular area at the time that an observation is made. Doesn't refer to the interior content or chemistry of a substance.

modern ceiling tiles would not be expected to contain asbestos.

Does this look like an Asbestos Ceiling tile?

Does this look like an Asbestos Ceiling tile? On 2019-01-04 by RJ

Reply by (mod) -

RJ

It looks like a cellulose material, but naturally one can't substitute a photo for a material test by an asbestos test lab.

 

Here’s the photo of my ceiling tile fragment - is this asbestos?

by Chris -

Answer by (mod) -

Chris that looks to me like fiberglass with a white acoustic facing and unknown backer.

by Chris

Needing help identifying these celing tiles. Fiberglass? - IMAGE LOST by Comments Box, sorry, please re-post

Answer by (mod) -

OPINION

If it's easy enough to just remove and bag and trash the stained tile intact, that's what I'd do.

Should we test this 1954 Ceiling Tile for Asbestos?

Wonder if you think we should get this tile tested? Home built in 1954. On 2018-10-08 by Chris

Answer by (mod) - test or toss out ceiling tiles?

OPINION

If it's easy enough to just remove and bag and trash the stained tile intact, that's what I'd do.

If you face a costly demolition and cleanup you should have a sample of your ceiling tiles tested.

Does Durolite Tileboard contain asbestos?

Does anyone know if a 12” x 12” ceiling tile called “Durolite Tileboard” made by the Insulite Division of Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company (MANDO) contains asbestos? On 2018-09-22 by Neal

Answer by (mod) - Durolite Tileboard by the Insulite Division of Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company (MANDO) contains asbestos?

Neal take a look at this article on asbestos in Insulite products

SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD ASBESTOS CONTENT

that's the best data I've found

Does this tan stapled-up (Armstrong ?) ceiling tile contain asbestos?

Any info on possible asbestos?
Stapled in place
12 in square
No Markings
Assuming Armstrong On 2018-08-12 by G man

Suggestion by (mod) - test this ceiling tile for asbestos? Looks like a wood or plant fiber product.

Sorry, no. You need to have some idea of date, such as building age, age of renovations or remodeling.

I will guess that from the general appearance of the ceiling tile edges it looks like a wood or cellulose-based product.

Have a sample tested.

See ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST

InspectApedia.com does NOT offer asbestos testing nor do we sell any product nor service - thus to protect reader confidence in our articles and content.

Worried about asbestos hazard after electrician drilled into this 12-inch ceiling tile

I'm not sure if it's possible to help with this as we don't know the brand.

The house is from 1920. We had electricians drill into the ceiling, and only after did we think about an asbestos risk.

We have two young children sleeping in the rooms where they drilled, and I'm not sure if that one-time disruption to the ceiling would cause a risk. The tiles are 12x12. On 2018-07-14 by Christine

by (mod) -

Some ceiling tiles like yours contain asbestos. Regrettably, Christine, without knowing the ceiling age, country of manufaactur, and at least seeing its constituents (not just the finished or room-side surface) one cannot say for sure whether one of these contains asbestos without a lab test.

However a small drill penetrating a ceiling tile, say to screw in a fastener to install a light, is not likely to release a detectable amount of airborne dust and debris of any sort.

Damp wipe up or HEPA vacuum as needed to clean up any debris that wasn't caught on a dropcloth, paper, or other catchment.

Is there an asbestos hazard in this filigree ceiling tile

Hi - I'm under contract for a house and was hoping to get more information on whether I should get this ceiling tile tested for asbestos.

We plan on removing the ceiling so would need to budget accordingly. I have no information on the date of installation or brand of tile, but it has an unusual pattern that I'm hoping someone will recognize. Any ideas?

Assumption by (mod) -

If you can't get a guess at ceiling age and the building was put up before 1986 you'd either assume the tiles can contain asbestos or have a sample tested.

I'm afraid to bring in the Hazmat or Environmental Hazard People to my workplace to check the ceiling tiles

That's tough for me. I work here so have no clue when this office was remodeled nor does anyone else. However, the tiles have a 2 in 1 design, meaning there's two tiles with a white border between.

It should be a new design in theory? I'd hate to bring Hazmat guys here to test. my boss might think I'm nuts. On 2018-06-18 by DT

Reply by (mod) - OSHA will respect your privacy but I agree not to panic about obviously low-risk conditions.

Testing a representative sample of ceiling tile is pretty trivial in cost and effort and in the absence of a significant existing dusty mess, doesn't need to be handled in an alarmist way.

I understand you want to handle this with sensitivity.

There is also an OSHA hotline you can perhaps call for advice, people who will respect your privacy.

I will think about this further but I don't see any option to either ignoring the question and taking your chances or addressing the question by making an effort to find out some useful facts.

OPINION: In general, this sort of "after the fact" question - the remodeling and cleanup have been completed - is usually not useful unless there is an issue of obvious inadequate cleanup or workplace related health concerns. - Daniel F

Will a newer drop ceiling tile be likely to shed asbestos?

I work in an older building but these appear to be newer ceiling tile...your thoughts? They keep messing with the vents so I have ceiling tile droppings in my office.

Thank you.

Answer by (mod) -NO, "recent" ceiling tiles are not likely to contain asbestos but if unkown treat as PACM

DT

To answer the asbestos question for unknown ceiling tiles we have these options:

1. find evidence that the ceiling tiles were installed after the mid 1980's (in the U.S.) - and assume those are not going to contain asbestos

2. find a manufacturer's id, product number, etc. on the tile back and ask the manufacturer or again establish the date

3. have a sample tested https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Test_Lab_Lists.php

4. treat the ceiling as PACM - presumed to contain asbestos

A Chip from this Suspended Ceiling Fell on my Head - could it hurt me?

At my school, a tiny chip fell on my head and on my skin.

The floor was apparently made in the 1950's although I am not sure if it is accurate. Either way I want to know whether it could hurt me. I think that the ceiling is consistent throughout the rooms and wings.

But I will double-check check tommorow and I can't exactly take off the panel so images of the panel is as far I can give. On 2018-05-30 by XT

Reply by (mod) - One Chip falling Suspended ceiling tiles shedding debris - a worry? No.

XT

A tiny chip (by my lexicon less than a square inch) of ceiling panel falling on your head would not itself produce a measurable asbestos hazard (if the ceiling panels contain that material) nor any other injury unless debris happened to get directly in your eye.

I'm not sure how the floor informs us about the ceiling unless you thought they were the same age. The ceiling, from your photo, is apparently much newer.

Do these 1998 USG Ceiling Tiles contain Asbestos?

I have USG ceiling tiles copyright date if 1998, and was wondering if they contain asbestos - On 2018-05-26 by Candace

Answer by (mod) - no

Not at all likely, Candace. By 1998 no U.S. manufacturer would be expected to be using asbestos in ceiling tiles.

More history and detail about USG ceiling tile materials is

at FRF CEILING TILES from USG

Are gray ceiling tiles from 1978 suspect for asbestos?

Need some input if these tiles might be suspect for asbestos? They are attached by wood strips and House was built in 1978. Any input is appreciated,thanks. On 2018-04-24 by Mara

Reply by (mod) -

Mara,

From the color and texture alone this looks like a cellulose material (wood) but yes, it could contain asbestos too, depending on the manufacturer and age.

It'd be useful for you also to post an image of the ceiling tile pattern.

Will a 1997 Armstrong Ceiling Tile Contain Asbestos?

Can you tell me if a ceiling tile from Armstrong stamped with 1997 on the back could contain asbestos? On 2018-04-19 by Mike

Reply by Moderator: No

Mike a 1997 ceiling tile from Armstrong made and sold in the U.S. won't contain asbestos.

I'm worried that these areas of our ceiling may be asbestos

I've attached four shots of our ceiling with the weird areas I think might be asbestos.

To reiterate, we did view unit on video and did not see it in person before signing lease. The building is old enough to contain asbestos roof tiles but I have no idea if the attached photos are indeed asbestos.

At worst, they are and at best the company did a really poor patch job on something. I'm dubious that these areas were left uncovered and assume someone said "don't touch these" at some point in project -- and for a reason.

Thanks again for ANY clarification on this. We're faced with some tough decisions that need to be made right away and I was looking for a bit of guidance in a stressful time. Sincerely, Hershcel

...

Thanks for the help. I will send four pictures via the comments. The building was probably built in 1930s or 1950s. The management is offering to let us out of the lease and/or get it tested to see what it is and then Fiber Lock spray/paint it.

The fact they left anything like this exposed at all makes me very dubious. Why would they offer to let us out of the lease if they did not have suspicions?

Someone at some point left this stuff alone so that person must have assumed it could possibly contain asbestos. I am not sure if folks can tell by the pics I send, but I appreciate any feedback.

We're exhausted and broke and really don't feel like moving only 48 hours after getting into the place. Yes, we viewed unit with video tour and signed lease before seeing in person. The video did not show HVAC ceiling.

If I had seen it in person I would have walked away, which is what I told them and that's when they offered to refund the rent and let us out of the lease. Thanks again very much, Hershcel On 2018-04-03 by hdvinci

Explanation by (mod) -

Herschel,

for security reasons we are cautious about accessing unknown links.

It might help us comment if you could use the picture frame icon next to the Comment button to post photos of your "glue plugs" as I don't know what you mean by that description.

Am I correct that you rented an apartment without actually seeing it other than by video?

Herschel said:
We just moved into a new rehabbed apt. in an old building in Covington, KY.

The developer is respected. We viewed the unit on video from another state before renting and signed lease. After we got in this week, I noticed weird blotches on ceiling of the HVAC/laundry cupboard that resembled asbestos "glue plugs" from old ceiling tiles. I asked and they said it was impossible it was asbestos.

The company passed a "Phase I" local environmental inspection for such hazards, but I have no idea if that was for the building in general or for our specific unit.

They also offered to seal suspect areas with Fiber Lock spray and then paint them. I'm confused why they would make such an offer if the suspected areas are, by their own words, not asbestos.

I have no idea if this is asbestos or just a really poor modern patch job of one-by-one spline ceiling tiles. It seems odd they were left exposed.

1. What is our recourse?

2. What are best steps to resolve this in a mutually satisfying way?

3. If it is asbestos or even suspected asbestos, did they have a duty to divulge? Can we break the lease if so and it is asbestos? Here is link with pictures. Thanks very much -- my wife is worried!

by (mod) - re: Herschel's ceiling tiles

When readers post photos they should see a note that the photos and comment await moderator approval - to protect our site and our readers from both malware and from inappropriate comment.

The "blobs" in your photos look like remains of ceiling tiles that were glued and then later pulled off of the ceiling.

I also see what looks like remains of cellulose insulation on the metal duct.

I cannot say and no one can say by the image alone that these contain asbestos - or not. A lab test of the material would be required.

IF you can establish that the materials that are in question were installed after the mid 1980's it is very unlikely that asbestos was used

. If not, the your options are to treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos or to have a sample tested.

(Search InspectApedia.com for ASBESTOS TEST LABS). or find the live link at the end of this article.

 

Asbestos worry in perforated acoustic ceiling tiles in an old house

My house was built in 1879 and not sure if the ceiling tile is asbestos On 2018-03-24 by Matt

by (mod) -

Matt

If your home is in the U.S. that acoustic-tiled ceiling is probably an installation between 1950 and 1970.

Some but not all such ceilings include asbestos. It'd be prudent to treat the ceiling as presumed to contain asbestos, avoid making a dusty mess, and have a sample tested if demolition and dust are unavoidable.

Asbestos is safe left in place when it is intact, un-damaged, and not subject to disturbance. Painting it, as this ceiling has been painted, adds some protection.

Are these yellow edged ceiling tiles an asbestos product?

I wanted to see what was behind the dropped ceiling in this old house I recently purchased, and of course now that I've poked and disturbed a dozen tiles throughout the place, it suddenly occurred to me that they could contain asbestos and I'm totally freaking out.

Does this tile appear, in your opinion, to be asbestos? Close up, the color is a dark yellowish gold, fiberglass like. I'm afraid to take one down to even look at the back or to take a sample! On 2018-02-23 by Kat

Explanation by (mod) - If it's fiberglass it's not asbestos

Sorry, Kat, butI can't tell from your photos if that's an asbestos containing material though to me it sure looks as if you're showing a yellow fibrous material that looks like fiberglass (not asbestos) in a plastic coated suspended ceiling tile.

If the ceiling tile is not obviously fiberglass then to have a certain answer to the asbestos question you will need to send a sample to a lab that.

However Don't Panic or freak out. Just don't make a mega Dusty mess. If you need to clean up use a HEPA rated vacuum cleaner or damp wiping.

by Kat - confirming fiberglass ceiling panel - not asbestos

Actually it is, it's Owen Corning Fiberglass.

I actually took one down. It's stamped "OFC" and "23" on back. Do you know what that means, or if this is a know asbestos material? Thanks again.

by (mod) -

Well that's good news and good to get clarified. As you probably understand fiberglass is not an asbestos containing product.

I am Horrified to think my old acoustic ceiling tiles may have asbestos

I’m in the middle of removing old acoustical tiles and am horrified to think they may have asbestos. I have attached a photo. Please help me, I’m scared.

Thank you, On 2018-02-19 by Anne Roberts

Calming advice by (mod) -

Anne:

Do not panic - it's not a radioactive material = doesn't emit harmful particles.

Even if your ceiling tiles contain asbestos, if the material is not being shredded, demolished, etc. then there's not likely to be a measurable haz

Asbestos not found in this gray-white fibrous ceiling tile from the 1950s

We had a old ceiling in our 1950s house replaced, but instead of going over the ceiling with drywall, the contractor removed the tiles! We have a baby in the house, so I am quite worried, especially since finding some of the debris from the old tiles in our yard.

I was comforted somewhat by finding some wood-based looking pieces, but there were also big chunks of another white material. On 2018-01-28 by Lauren

by Lauren - had this ceiling tile testeed, it's plaster and wood, not asbestos

Had it tested - Not asbestos! mostly plaster and a wood based material.

Note by (mod) - white blocks not asbestos - photo below

good news, we'll keep your photo and test results In this article series as that will help other readers.

Would there be asbestos in ceiling tiles used in a Kmart store built in the U.S. in 1990?

I purchased some ceiling tiles from a K-Mart store that was tore down. Armstrong tiles, 2x4. Store was built around 1990. Would these contain asbestos? - On 2017-10-20 by wayne watkins

Answer by (mod) - no

Wayne

Asbestos use in new construction would be highly unlikely in the U.S. in 1990.

Can I tell by visual inspection if Canadian Ceiling Tiles may Have Asbestos?

Looking to buy a 1961 house in southern ontario canada. House has older ceiling tiles. How would i be able to tell from visual inspection whether they might bave asbestos? What listing of Canadian manufacturers were there in 1961 in Canada? On 2017-05-07 by Kevin

by (mod) - no

I'm doubtful you can tell reliably from just a visual inspection unless you find a brand and product number on the ceiling tiles or see that the material is obviously not a candidate for asbestos - e.g. fiberglass.

You'd need to have a sample tested. Use the search box to find ASBESTOS TEST LABS if you want to do that. Simplest is to assume you'll leave the material alone, covering it over with drywall if appropriate.

See the asbestos ban dates in CANADA ASBESTOS REGULATIONS 

Asbestos in white ceiling tiles with gold flakes, stapled up?

Home built 1955. Ceiling tiles are white with gold flakes, glittery looking. 12 x 12. Stapled to ferring strips. Have you heard of these being asbestos? On 2017-04-13 by Todd

by (mod) -

Todd you can send photos by using our email found at the page top or bottom CONTACT link. But I'm doubtful that a photo alone will tell us whether or not the ceiling you describe contains asbestos.

If you face a need to make a dusty demolition mess (as opposed to simply covering over the ceiling with drywall), or if you face other costly demolition involving the material I suggest having a sample tested.

If you use the search box just above to find ASBESTOS TEST LAB LIST you'll see where to find a certified testing laboratory. The cost is usually under $50. U.S. and is similar in other countries.

Is 10% asbestos in 'ceiling'' governed under FDA regulations?

Is 10% asbestos in 'ceiling'' govrened under FDA regulations?

Answer by (mod) - Yes

Es

yes

In the ARTICLE INDEX found among the Continue Reading links at the end of this article please see

ASBESTOS MATERIAL REGULATIONS

ASBESTOS MATERIAL REGULATIONS, OSHA

...

...

Continue reading  at ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES - topic home, 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 TESTING LAB LIST - certified asbestos testing labs
• ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES
• ASBESTOS-SUSPECT CEILING COVEROVER
• CELOTEX ASBESTOS PRODUCTS
• CEILING TILE MATERIALS
• TEST KIT for DUST, MOLD, PARTICLES: INSTRUCTIONS

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ASBESTOS FREE CEILING TILE FAQs 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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