Questions & answers about how to recognize ceiling tiles that may contain asbestos.

What do asbestos-containing ceiling tiles look like? Can we tell from the appearance of a ceiling tile whether asbestos is among its ingredients?

What were the years of manufacture, history, and producers of various types of ceiling tiles & coverings that contained asbestos.

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-containing Ceiling Tile FAQs

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.

On 2023-11-27 by Anonymous - damaged ceiling tiles when fixing dryer vent - asbestos worry?

We had to fix a dryer vent, and some of the drop ceiling was damaged. I didn't think about it until afterwards that it may contain asbestos. I'll buy a test kit off Amazon too but wanted to get some opinions on the possibility.

The house was built in 1974 or 76, but I don't think the drop ceiling was added until way later in the eighties.

On 2023-11-27 by InspectApedia Publisher - can't be certain of its asbestos content by visual inspection alone

@Anonymous,

Unfortunately for acoustic ceiling tile like that one we can't be certain of its asbestos content by visual inspection alone, but I can suggeste that you simply damp wipe up any dust and avoid chopping, grinding, or sawing those tiles to make more of a mess.

IF the ceiling tile is in the U.S. and was made after around 1986 it's not at all likely to contain asbestos.

https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Current-Asbestos-jcdContaining-Products-US.php

ASBESTOS PRODUCTS BANNED vs PERMITTED U.S. 2023

is as specific as one can get on this question without having a **** SPECIFIC ASBESTOS TEST REPORT on a SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT ****

Any further, answer, with respect we must explain, is simply so speculative as to be unreliable.

On 2023-11-10 by Bystanding Bob - so ceiling tiles with asbestos weren't banned but manufactureres quit using asbestos?

@InspectApedia Publisher, so ceiling titles were not banned, but manufacturers themselves stopped using them.

Do you know anything about aftermarket car components like brake pads? I know they were not banned also, but most said only in aftermarket product.

would ceiling tiles installed at 2012 contain asbestos

is there any detail like even the use of asbestos in ceiling tiles is not banned, then would there be any restriction like it can only be used in specialuse or setting?

is it likely that some small factory product produce ACM ceiling?

do today's fissured Ceiling Tile contain asbestos? i saw they are mostly made by armstrong

On 2023-11-10 by (mod) - after the mid-1980's or 1989 at latest, ceiling tiles in the U.S. are not likely to contain asbestos.

If the ceiling was installed in the U.S. after the mid-1980's it's not at all likely to contain asbestos.

In other countries, the last date at which asbestos products including asbestos ceiling tiles were sold will differ.

For details see

• HISTORY & DATES OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIAL BANS & REGULATIONS
  

On 2023-09-10 by Diane Sandoval - wierd spongy tiles on the ceiling of an 1890's Kansas home

I am renovating a house I just got but the house has these wierd spongy tiles on the cieling not sure what it is made of or if it has asbestos but it is also glued on with a black adhesive.
The House is 1890s build in Kansas.

On 2023-09-10 by InspectApedia Publisher (mod) - asbestos ceiling tiles: Just looking isn't enough

@Diane Sandoval,

Unfortunately I can't tell just by looking at them whether or not those tiles definitely contain or don't contain asbestos. Same for the mastic adhesive.

If however as it appears from your photo the torn are cut edges of the tiles show that the material is gray white and its interior and I would consider it a possible asbestos containing material and treated accordingly.

The best option is to leave such suspect material in place and simply cover it over with a new layer of material such as drywall.

If you have to remove it and can't do so without creating potentially hazardous dust then it's worth having a sample tested.

And "spongy" ceiling tiles sound as if they could be plastic-covered fiberglass.

So let us know your plans.

On 2023-07-14 by Steve Grauer - asbestos in these old ceiling tiles in a 1924 home?

Our house was built in 1924.

We have a drop ceiling in the basement, although I am not sure when it was installed. Some tiles are loose and have become dislodged, and fallen to the floor. They appear to be mostly wood cellulose, but I wanted to get the opinion of an expert.

On 2023-07-21 by InspectApedia Publisher (mod) - these tan fibrous ceiling tiles look like cellulose - a plant product

@Steve Grauer,

I agree with you about the appearance of the tiles - looks like cellulose. Step through the tips above on this page to improve that guess and let me know what you think.

 

On 2023-06-01 by Anonymous - do my 1986 Strata brand ceiling tiles contain asbestos?

I live in a Strata that was built in 1986. We are replacing suspended ceiling tiles in a Spa room. How do I identify if these tiles contain asbestos?

Or do I just assume they contain asbestos and wear breathing protection? It is a small area (about 50 square feet). Once removed, how do I safely get rid of the tiles?

On 2023-06-01 by InspectApedia DF (mod)

@Anonymous,

Let’s start with telling us what country you live in, as the asbestos regulations will vary with regard to when it was banned.

The steps outlined above on this page give you our best advice on identifying whether your ceiling tiles contain asbestos or not. They take into consideration factors such as age, markings, location. It’s worth starting there.

Also above are links to different manufacturers of ceiling tiles and images found on those pages may help you with yours.

As far as removal of the tiles, please see our article

CEILING TILE REMOVAL PROCEDURES
https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos-Ceiling-Tile-Removal-Procedure.php

Now about your question:

Once removed, how do I safely get rid of the tiles?

The answer is - as Mark Cramer says ... it depends.

On where you live.

In most communities ceiling tiles can be disposed-of as construction waste.

 

On 2023-05-12 by ModestD - ceiling in Ontario library?

Hey,
I have recently started a new job and was told that white dust is falling from the ceiling on a ceiling that is known to contain ACM. The floor above has someone putting poles in place for volleyball and then dust falls into the area below. Would this be asbestos? The main ceiling is Transite/pegboard but this portion of the ceiling does not look like this. Here is a picture.

On 2023-05-12 by InspectApedia Publisher - Ontario library ceiling tiles hard to identify

@ModestD,

I'd like to be helpful but I don't know what the scale is of your photo and can't tell what we are looking at.

Transite asbestos is a term for a type of cement asbestos that was frequently used to make pipes and other cementious products.

"Pegboard" refers to a utility board with many small round holes used to contain pegs that serve as brackets to support things, is not a product I've seen made out of cement asbestos.

Your photo, if it's a close-up seems to show rectangular holes in some material. Is that an acoustic ceiling?

What's the location, country and city and if you don't know the age of the ceiling nor exactly what it is made of, it would be helpful to give the building age.

To say that you were told that asbestos dust is falling is a bit uncertain as a guideline.

Told by whom, of what authority and with what expertise and with what supporting information.

In most countries it would be illegal for a workplace to contain a known falling asbestos dust hazard.

In the US you would call OSHA to get help if that were the case.

Perhaps if you can give good more information we can provide more specific comment.

On 2023-04-30 by KA - asbestos in 1950s Ontario home ceillings?

Old house layers to be removed. So removed this from ceiling and wondering if wood base or asbestos tiles? 1950's house southern Ontario. The basement may have been finished later. No markings on back of tiles. Stapled to ceiling.
Thanks for opinions.

Thank you for looking into this, it is actually a library ceiling located in Canada, Ontario.

After further investigation it looks like the asbestos is actually located above said ceiling, or on single tile ceilings located in 4 areas of the library.

I also noted that they drilled into this ceiling in the past to mount a TV, but my superiors told me the entire ceiling is asbestos (it isn't). Thanks for all your help.

On 2023-04-30 by InspectApedia Editor - ceiling tile, drywall, and joint compound may all contain asbestos

@KA,

Looks like a wood-fibre product but to be certain you'd need to do a lab test.

By the way that drywall and joint compound used to install it are likely to contain asbestos if they're of a similar age

 

On 2023-03-30 by Kelly - asbestos in 1960s Ohio Home Ceiling?

NW Ohio built in early 60s I need to remove this ceilng tile mess and figure out what to replace it with. This is a long shot but does this tile resemble those manufactured with asbestos?

On 2023-03-30 by InspectApedia Editor

@Kelly,

Usually when we see yellow fibrous ceiling tiles that's a wood or plant-based product not asbestos. But keep in mind that unless you find a product identification label and can trace the manufacturer's asbestos-use, a text and photo alone don't approach the confidence of an asbestos test.

IF you can not replace these tiles without creating dust, safest is to do an asbestos test. Or simply treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos and remove it with dust control, PPE, HEPA vacuuming, damp wiping cleanup etc.

An option that's preferable in some buildings is to simply laminate a layer of drywall right over the existing ceiling, leaving the old materials harmlessly in-place.

 

On 2023-01-27 by Bob - yellow plastic covered fibrous ceiling tiles in a drop ceiling: asbestos?

@InspectApedia Publisher, correct. they are from suspended drop ceiling in basement which simply laid in the suspened grid system.

Older drop ceiling tiles 2x4, can anyone identify if they are fiber only or asbestos?

On 2023-01-26 by InspectApedia Publisher - fiberglass ceiling panels - not asbestos

@Bob,

Thanks for the great photo and helpful ceiling tile question.

In your photo those are fiberglass ceiling panels, surfaced on one side with a thin plastic cover on the "down" side; probably from a suspended ceiling, not "ceiling tiles" of the sort that were stapled or glued in place.

An example of similar drop ceiling sections is at

ASBESTOS-FREE CEILING TILES

On 2022-12-10 by Chris - does this ceiling material contain asbestos?

Hi there can you tell if this contains asbestos.

We recently removed it and somebody said we should have left it.

There are no fibers present however the paper looks fluffy. Can asbestos be in the backing fiber? Much appreciated. I have since moved out and waiting on the manufacturer to tell us

On 2022-12-10 by InspectApedia (Editor)

@Chris,

Take a look at

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

And then let me know what you think

On 2022-11-18 by Mark - concerned if these ceiling tiles might contain abstestos or any other toxic materials?

Hi just concearned if these ceiling tiles might contain abstestos or any other toxic materials? house was built 1870 in Hudson Massachusetts

On 2022-11-18 by InspectApedia (mod)

@Mark,

We can't answer that question without any information about your home - location, age, etc. Please see the section above on this page:

5 Easy Steps to make a guess at asbestos hazard from unknown ceiling tiles

This provides our best advice for determining an answer to your question.

On 2022-09-30 by Em - mice contaminated our ceiling tiles but we are worried about asbestos - can we remove them?

We had a mouse infestation and cleared them out.

But they pooed on the ceiling tiles on our basement so we decided we should remove them. However the possible asbestos hazard stopped us. Including two photos. Thank you for your hard work.

On 2022-09-30 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Em,

Besides trying to answer the questions above on this page, the only additional way I can suggest to make a more accurate estimate of the asbestos Hazard for those particular tiles would be to have a sample testing.

It appears to me in cross section to be a gray material so I can't rule out asbestos based on appearance

On 2022-09-22 by Tiffany - painted ceiling tiles in apartment might contain asbestos?

I can't tell if my apartment ceiling tiles have asbestos. They look painted over. Found lead paint in the apartment with a test.

They look damaged from being in the bathroom and above the shower. Look white all the way through too. Some tiles have holes that look to have been filled or covered up.

I'm on the second floor of a family home that was turned into apartments in central Maine.

I saw that it was built in 1900, renovation listed in 1950. I can't determine the material or age of the tiles. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

On 2022-09-22 by InspectApedia (Editor) - lead paint and asbestos concerns in bathroom

@Tiffany,

Indeed I see the wrinkled paint.

I don't see holes to be filled, but speculate that you could patch small holes using a phenolic or vinyl caulk with little worry.

IF there is no more water leaks and no mold smell, you might leave the ceiling as is. If you're able to leave the ceiling alone and it's not shedding lead paint it's not a meaningful hazard.

Alternatively it can be covered with drywall.

IF the ceiling had to be demolished (say fixing water damage) it'd make sense to inspect or test a sample (for asbestos) before proceeding to make a dusty mess.

Don't Confuse Other Ceiling Coverings with Fibrous or Asbestos-Containing Ceiling Tiles

Photo above: An encaustic heraldic tile used on the ceiling at Cleeve Abbey, dating from the middle ages, late in the twelfth century. Cleeve Abbey, a Cistercian monastery was, in 1536, converted by Henry VIII to a country house as part of the dissolution of the monasteries. - Wikipedia. [Click to enlarge any image]

These are ceramic tiles, not an asbestos product.

 

On 2022-07-24 by InspectApedia (mod) - perforated acoustic ceiling tile example

.

On 2022-07-24 by James - paranoid that these ceiling tiles are asbestos

Just noticed these ceiling tiles in garage and paranoid they are asbestos

@James, your ceiling tiles are plastic coated fiberglass - not asbestos

The ceiling segment in your photo looks like a plastic-skinned fiberglass ceiling component designed to drop into a suspended ceiling grid.

Have you taken a look at the 5 Easy Steps listed above on this page that can help identify asbestos containing ceiling tiles? That's a good place to start.

Note the:
Age of building
Manufacturer's stamps or marking

If you still have questions after that, please let us know

 

On 2022-07-11 by jmichigan - asbestos in ceiling tiles from a 1939 Michigan home?

I just ripped these out of the basement in a 1939 house in Michigan. They are 12 x 12". Not sure when installed. Scared they are asbestos and still have some to come down. No pin holes like most asbestos. Hoping this isn't asbestos.

 

On 2022-07-11 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - 1939 Michigan house fiber board looks like a plant based fiberboard - rodent infestation can be a source of bacterial hazards and other pathogens in ceilings

@jmichigan,

Color and texture certainly looks like a fiber board product.

Nobody is going to want to promise you that everything is okay and if there's no risk based simply on a brief text on a photograph. Note that rodent infestation can be a source of bacterial hazards and other pathogens.

On 2022-07-12 by jmichigan

So hopefully nothing to worry about? There are still pieces of the brown stuff stuck to the staples. I did encounter mold, mouse poo, walnuts and what I believe to be fiberglass on an abandoned pipe. It is still poking me like pins and needles.

How worried should I be about all of this? I have a sore throat, probably from the fiberglass? It was black taped to the pipe. Have you ever seen these tiles before and does that look like fiberglass? Thanks for your help

On 2022-05-31 by Milly - worried about asbestos in 1950s Upstate New York Home Ceiling

We jave just bought our first home and started doing some updating. We chipped an ugly ceiling tile to see how hard will it be. And we stopped as it seems suspicious. Any thoughts on this? (We don't have any info on timeframe and brand). we know the house was built in 1950, its in Upstate NY, USA. I am trying to find info on the site - it is very informative!

On 2022-05-31 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - gray paper-board sheathing is not an asbestos product

@Milly,

With respect to age and dating certainly you must know at least the country and city of location and the age of the building itself. That would be helpful. With respect to the ceiling that looks like a ceiling panel or ceiling tile material.

You can find details about ceiling tiles and fiberboard products and asbestos in some of those but not all of them, in articles at this website.

In NY, we have some asbestos-containing ceiling tiles and of course many other ACM products.

Often, however, gray paper-board sheathing is not an asbestos product.

If you have access to the back of a ceiling tile or board, post a photo of any imprint on it.

If you can leave such materials in place and simply install drywall over them that's the safest, least-expensive, and expert-recommended procedure for ACM-suspect walls or ceilings. To avoid having to build out wall trim you can laminate the thinnest drywall you can find such as 1/4".

See also SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD ASBESTOS CONTENT

 

On 2022-03-23 by Debbie Smart - bar code on ceiling tile in Quebec, Canada means asbestos?

I live near Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I have ceiling tiles that have a sticker with a bar code on the back. With a photo of the bar code would you be able to tell me if these tiles contain asbestos?

On 2022-03-23 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - will bar code on a ceiling tile indicate asbestos or not?

@Debbie Smart,

Not necessarily. Bar codes have been in use in North America since 1974 - when asbestos still appeared in some products.

You might try simply downloading a bar-code reader app for your smartphone, then scanning the code to see what information it can provide.

Then for more detailed help answering your question about asbestos in Canadian ceiling tiles, 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 2022-03-21 by Dustin - is this what asbestos ceiling tiles look like?

Recently, replaced this before thinking to figure it if they are asbestos or not. House was built in 1900 but the basement wasn’t put in until sometime after 1974 which means the drop ceiling would’ve been installed at roughly that same time. Not sure if this is what an asbestos tile would look like.

On 2022-03-21 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - visual inspection won't tell you asbestos or not

@Dustin,

In my opinion you can't tell simply by visual inspection whether ceiling tiles contain asbestos or not. You would need to either have tested a representative sample or at least know the age and manufacturer and specific product identification.

In any case if you removed the ceiling tiles intact and without creating a dusty mess it's not likely that there's a substantive dust hazard.

 

On 2022-02-16 by Anonymous UK Reader - council in UK won't repair asbestos ceiling?

I have asked the moderator to put this on InspectApedia as council wont repair it

the grey is like polythene but they said it wont burn .

These flats all built with asbestos im worried .I have learing trouble on internert wendy farey southend SS 1 2TU.

Had the armstrong tiles 9x9 brown 12x12 grey and bichimin removed but left the dust all in kitchen .Im fighting a losing battle

Location: Southend on sea SS1 2TU,3 Romany Steps Beresford Rd, in the UK - East of London.

I have photos of 8x bigger of my nails and what i think is fibers im living in hell gp says its fibers get out but no one take responsibility

On 2022-02-16 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Anonymous UK Reader,

What we can see is some water damage, and possibly an incomplete prior repair. The photo is a bit blurry so we don't have a good guess at the identity of the yellow ceiling panel that appears to be thick and have a white edge - perhaps a metal border. In the center of your photo and at upper right I see what looks like gypsum board that is torn, ripped, damaged, and possibly some small water stains.

If there is a history of leaks into the building it would be appropriate to check further for hidden damage or mold.

If you are experiencing health issues it would be smart to start with a review with a doctor whom you trust, and then you'd want to be sure to take her advice.

If your home is dusty from prior demolition it would make sense to have it thoroughly cleaned: typically by HEPA vacuuming and damp wiping.

I can't comment on who has responsibility for what; even if you're only a renter, not an owner, you may indeed be responsible for cleanup to complete work (prior ceiling tile removal) that you had removed.

Map added showing general location of the Romany Steps, Beresford Rd. in the UK - knowing the country lets you compare dates of construction materials with your country's laws controlling the use or sale of asbestos-containing products.

Above on this page are simple questions you can step through to make a reasonable guess at the chances that your ceiling materials contain asbestos. Beyond that you'd need to have a representative sample tested.

On 2022-02-15 by Anonymous

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, thank you, should it be brought to the attention of my supervisor as these tiles are in a daycare? What harm do they pose if they are otherwise in good condition?

On 2022-02-15 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Anonymous,

While some brands of ceiling tiles from that era did not contain asbestos, in the absence of any other information, and given that the edge view of the ceiling tiles makes clear that they're not fiberglass, it would be prudent to treat them as presumed to contain asbestos.

That means don't create a dusty mess, or if you must do so, then have a suitable sample tested for asbestos.

On 2022-02-14 by Anonymous

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, here is a photo of one of the tiles, I unfortunately do not know the age, but I would guess 80s or 90s in the US.

 

 

 

 

On 2022-02-12 by Anonymous

Hi, quick question, in ceiling tiles where the 'innards' appear as a tan color, would you be more likely to deduce that they are cellulose or asbestos? I don't have a photo at this moment, but they are definitely white on the outside with what appears to be a tan and cardboard looking inside. Thanks!

On 2022-02-04 by betty johnson

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, i may have not worded it correctly about epa but maybe you can get more info about this,

charles parker is a licensed asbestos abatement contractor of state of oregon dept of environmental quality

,he is the one that has found it in fiberboard paint coatings in old mobile homes and paint of drop ceilings in commercial buildings and

brandon reynolds of mobile home university says he has found it in fiberboard ceilings of mobile homes,tiles and large panels,he did not answer me back about if it were in the paint coating as i talked with him through email only,

also if you read this link a guy says he has found asbestos in the white paint more than once on ceiling tiles as i just found this after googling -please let me know what you find out thanks

(re-posted by Moderator without dis-allowed link)

On 2022-02-04 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@betty johnson,

We will continue to research this topic.

A suggestion as a matter of practice is to always seek specific, objective data rather than what may amount to a guess or speculative opinion.

So if you encounter an inspector who tells you that they have found asbestos coatings on fiberglass ceiling tile products, you might want to ask him/her for specifics.

What was the ceiling tile brand, where was it found, what building what country and city, what building age, and who did the lab test? Can we see a copy of the lab report ?

And finally what are the credentials and expertise of the inspector. You cited "EPA inspectors" but in fact there are no private Environmental testing or inspecting companies who would be certified or named as "EPA".

EPA in the U.S. is the Environmental Protection Agency, a federal agency that doesn't do private inspections of buildings nor certify them.

On 2022-02-04 by betty johnson

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, ok im trying to search for manufacturers and coatings but havent much luck yet as it sure would be helpful in knowing as im into old home and trailer renovations

so far two different asbestos epa inspectors have said that its been found in some fiberglass and fiberboard ceiling tile and panel of dull white paint coatings,around 2% asbestos but ceiling tile body and panel is asbestos free in their samples

they said its been found in the drop tiles and also insulation board factory coatings.

if you find any thing out further on manufacturers that used this in their paint can you please email me at samiejulie26@gmail.com and if i find out more i will post back on here as well.thanks!!

On 2022-02-03 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@betty johnson,

Sure a good question, but not one for which we have enough data to give a confident answer.

What you might try is the technique that I use, which is to use Google Patent Search for specific product brands. Then you read the patent description of the brand or product and how it's made.

You would search on the combination of ceiling tiles plus asbestos coating, asbestos paint, Etc. If you decide to do that, do let us know because it would be helpful to other readers.

On 2022-02-03 by betty johnson

what ceiling tile brands was known to have asbestos in paint coating only and cellulose or fiberglass non asbestos body?

On 2022-01-27 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@sandra miller,

yes

On 2022-01-26 by sandra miller

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, i mean the original surface of ceiling tiles made by the manufacturer,did they ever put asbestos coatings on them for fire protection?

On 2022-01-26 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@sandra miller,

Please consider that over the many decades during which asbestos was used in many products and buildings it's entirely possible that someone could have a applied a fire resistant paint or textured paint onto a ceiling and that that product could've contained asbestos.

Beyond that any guesses about the asbestos content in your specific ceiling are so speculative as to offer no confidence whatsoever.

If the ceiling in your building is causing a lot of worry OR if you are facing a dusty demolition, the it makes sense to have the material tested by a certified asbestos test lab. You can find those in the page top EXPERTS DIRECTORY.

On 2022-01-26 by sandra miller

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, what about if you know the tile itself is cellulose/fiberboard,what about the front painted surface,could it be asbestos containing paint on a drop down ceiling?

On 2022-01-25 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@sandra miller,

By "facing" we refer to a very thin skin ( in most generic terms, paper, plastic, or fabric) put on to the exposed surface of ceiling material in order to provide a texture and perhaps color.

Naturally, as time passed it's entirely possible that that original surface could have been coated by one or more layers of paint.

But paint by itself is not usually considered a facing

On 2022-01-25 by sandra miller

Asbestos may have been used in the ceiling tile tiles and in lay-in ceiling tiles in suspended ceilings in the tile body or in paper facing or backing on the ceiling tiles

what exactly is a paper facing? would this be the painted surface?

On 2021-10-29 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@Chris,

Please see the section above on this page:

5 Easy Steps to make a guess at asbestos hazard from unknown ceiling tiles

This provides our best advice for determining an answer to your question.

On 2021-10-29 by Chris

Hi Sir, I have these false ceilings and cracks started to form due to age and heat, etc. May I know whether are these asbestos based? I was told it was gypsum or plaster. I have attached these pictures as references. Thank you and looking forward to your reply.

On 2021-10-13 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - asbestos not likely in wood-product ceiling tiles used in Russian Pre-Fab home in Italy

@Mark,

Thank you very much for your generous comment.

Indeed, we have worked hard on this material for many years, so we are always very grateful when readers find it trusted and useful.

On 2021-10-13 by Mark

WOW! Just seen your reply and what a fantastic job you have done of working through and deciphering the information contained in the references cited above.

Your Italian has certainly eclipsed mine! Need some time to read through your findings.

Many thanks, what a fantastic resource and help you are, have been and continue to be. Bravo! @inspectapedia.com.moderator,

On 2021-10-03 by inspectapedia.com.moderator - asbestos not found in wood-fibre ceiling tiles in Russian Pre-Fab home in Northern Italy

@Mark,

Thank you very much those are very interesting references and we will read them with care and comment further here. My Italian is modest but being fluent in Spanish helps.

Here is a closer look at the three references you offered and that you thought claim that asbestos occurs in some wood-fibre ceiling tiles

Reference 1: Pannelli per controsoffitti / soffitti ribassati / pannelli acustici

Your first reference has apparently caused a bit of confusion.

The article - Pannelli per controsoffitti / soffitti ribassati / pannelli acustici Stato della tecnica - or in English, Ceiling Panels / Low Ceiling / Acoustic Panels State of the art

ends with a clear statement:

In Italian:

A differenza dei pannelli a base di fibre minerali, quelli in fibra di legno tenero ("normali" pannelli pressati con trucioli di legno, della marca Pavatex) all'interno sono marroni. Essi possono essere considerati privi di amianto.

In English:

Unlike mineral fiber based panels, the soft wood fiber panels ("normal" panels pressed with wood chips, from the Pavatex brand) are brown on the inside. They can be considered free of asbestos.

Here is the entire text:

In passato, i pannelli a base di fibre minerali, denominati anche pannelli acustici o pannelli pressati, in alcuni casi potevano contenere fibre di amianto (concentrazioni tra l'1% e il 3% circa, per lo più amosite). Di solito questi si trovano posati sui soffitti, ma anche sulle pareti.

La ditta Pavatex, che commercializzava tali pannelli a base di fibre minerali con il nome di Pavaroc, ha aggiunto l'amianto ai pannelli solo per un periodo di quattro anni (1968-1971) e già nel 1972 è ritornata alla produzione degli stessi senza amianto. Non è noto in quali periodi altri produttori siano passati alla produzione senza amianto.

I pannelli a base di fibre minerali sono relativamente morbidi (ma più duri dei pannelli in fibra di legno tenero, vedi sotto) che possono essere facilmente rotti o tagliati. Il loro colore varia dal grigio al beige.
A differenza dei pannelli a base di fibre minerali, quelli in fibra di legno tenero ("normali" pannelli pressati con trucioli di legno, della marca Pavatex) all'interno sono marroni. Essi possono essere

considerati privi di amianto.
—
in English for other readers:

In the past, mineral fiber-based panels, also called acoustic panels or pressed panels, could in some cases contain asbestos fibers (concentrations between about 1% and 3%, mostly amosite). These are usually found on the ceilings, but also on the walls.

The Pavatex company, which marketed these panels based on mineral fibers under the name of Pavaroc, added asbestos to the panels only for a period of four years (1968-1971) and already in 1972 returned to the production of the same without asbestos. It is not known when other manufacturers switched to asbestos-free production.

Mineral fiber-based panels are relatively soft (but harder than softwood fiber panels, see below) which can be easily broken or cut. Their color varies from gray to beige.

Unlike mineral fiber-based panels, soft wood fiber panels ("normal" panels pressed with wood chips, from the Pavatex brand) are brown on the inside. They can be considered free of asbestos.

Reference #2 Repertorio fotografico delle principali tipologie dei Materiali Contenenti Amianto - no asbestos

Your second reference, REPERTORIO FOTOGRAFICO DELLE PRINCIPALI TIPOLOGIE DEI MATERIALI CONTENENTI AMIANTO, [PDF] by A cura di Anna Bosi e Alessandra Pompini, published under the aegis of Servizio Sanitario Emilio Romagnana,

p. 69 includes photographs labeled:

Asbestos Content, and a photo labeled Fammenti di intonaco - fragments of plaster.

I agree that SOME, but certainly not all plaster contained asbestos.

And a second photo labeled Frammenti di ccontrosoffito or in English: Fragments of a false ceiling

showing what is plainly a brown wood- or plant- fibre material from an acoustic ceiling; there is no evidence, no test report, nothing such as a lab test report or an historical document from a manufacturer supporting an assertion that these fragments contained asbestos.

I suspect the authors erred, or we are missing appropriate identification and lab testing results; this is particularly the case as the photo and labels contradict the greater body of evidence on ceiling tiles made of plant or wood fibre.

Readers can also download a PDF copy of this report at https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Materiali -Contenenti-Amianto-Bosi-Pompini.pdf

Reference 3 Atlas of materials containing asbestos

Your third reference is more-helpful:

Atlas of materials containing asbestos

1. Introduction

The document contains some images proposed as comparison elements for the identification of fibrous materials in industrial hygiene investigations.

The first diagram shows typical products containing fibrous materials, while in the second some fragments of such materials have been photographed to facilitate their recognition and discriminate the fibers contained in them.

The data on the composition of the materials are validated by analyzes in DRX and SEM.

(Document extracted from the “Internal Instruction Manual for the collection and transmission of samples for fiber analysis: optical and electron microscopy ". Contarp INAIL 2003, by Emma Incocciati and Stefano Massera, edited by Giuseppe Gargaro)

or in Italian:

ATLANTE DEI MATERIALI CONTENENTI AMIANTO [PDF]

1. Introduzione

Il documento contiene alcune immagini proposte quali elementi di confronto per l’individuazione dei materiali fibrosi nelle indagini di igiene industriale.

Nel primo schema sono rappresentati dei tipici prodotti contenenti materiali fibrosi, mentre nel secondo alcuni frammenti di tali materiali sono stati fotografati per agevolarne il riconoscimento e discriminare le fibre in questi contenute.

I dati sulla composizione dei materiali sono convalidati da analisi in DRX e SEM.

(Documento estratto dal “Manuale interno di istruzione per la raccolta e la trasmissione di campioni per analisi di fibre: microscopia ottica ed elettronica”.

Contarp INAIL 2003, di Emma Incocciati e Stefano Massera, a cura di Giuseppe Gargaro, INAIL, Instituto Nazionale per L’Assicurazione Contro Gli Infortuni Sul Lavoro, P.le Pastore 6, 00144 Roma (RM) Tel: +39 06.6001 Web: https://www.inail.it/cs/internet/home.html [Eng.: National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work]

See the photo of p. 3 given above.

Don't confuse spray-on fire-retardant samples with ceiling tiles

However, here, too, it would be an error to confuse spray-on fire-retardant insulation such as is shown in the third photo on the bottom of page 3 with ceiling tiles or panels.

Those are completely different products.

This third reference, then, as a more-authoritative atlas of asbestos-containing materials in Italy, does not contain an indication that acoustic ceiling tiles like that in your photo are an asbestos-containing material.

In this article series, we do cite some reports of asbestos-contamination of non-asbestos wood-fibre panel products when those were manufactured at the same U.S. site where asbestos was stored and used in different products.

While a few asbestos products can be identified by certainty by visual inspection alone, the final, most-authoritative answer to most asbestos questions is by lab test.

Image: Asbestos-containing-Materials-INAIL.png

Bottom line: some ceiling covering products contained asbestos but we have not found any corroboration in North America nor Europe nor Asia of brown or tan wood fibre acoustic ceiling tiles that contained asbestos.


We welcome your content questions, criticism, suggestions, and contributions and welcome polite helpful argument on any point found here.

On 2021-09-19 by Mark

@inspectapedia.com.moderator, Here is the page i was referring to:

https://polludoc.ch/it/materiale/pannelli-controsoffitti-soffitti-ribassati-pannelli-acustici

It's a Swiss website and the 3rd and 4th paragraph refer to the colour distinction. It does also refer to a particular wood fibre panel producer that included asbestos between 1968 and 1971. My photo is of a panel in a house built in 1976.

Another citation can be found in page 69 of this pdf that shows what looks like wood fibre with the annotation that the asbestos content is variable (perhaps with reference to the fact that as mentioned in the website above, some manufacturers did incorporate asbestos to some degree).

Pg 64 also has an image of a ceiling tile that contains asbestos and mineral wool.

http://www.ausl.pc.it/sanita_pubblica/amianto/2020/FOTO%20Materiali%20Contenenti%20Amianto%205%2010%202019.pdf

This other website is interesting in that it shows some photos of asbestos that have the appearance of wood fibre - particular reference to the sample at the bottom of page 3 (Tabella.2). The translation does imply that it is a sample of a sprayed on substance.

https://www.inail.it/cs/internet/docs/atlante_fotografico_dei_materiali_contenuti_pdf_2443085410136.pdf?section=attivita

It took some digging to find them, though of course i do acknowledge that they refer to our region and not yours! Would be interesting to hear your thoughts though so i hope your Italian is ok, if not there's always good ol' google!
Mark

On 2021-09-19 by inspectapedia.com.moderator - does my Russian-built pre-fab home in Northern Italy contain asbestos in these ceiling tiles?

@Mark,

Do please give us your "recent Info" source citation as we have no corroboration for that claim.

On 2021-09-19 by Mark

Hello again - think fibre panels in a Russian pre-fab in Northern Italy and Swiss oven insulation!

This photo shows part of what was a ceiling tile (in the bathroom and kitchen of the pre-fab mentioned above) that i always assumed was a wood fibre panel. The colour is very much beige as opposed to tan in the photo. Some recent info suggests that beige is likely to indicate asbestos - ?

! though perhaps only in a sprayed form. Information on these types of panels in this part of the world is hard to come by so that is why i am posting here to gauge your thoughts. I do agree that a test will eliminate all doubts and ponderings!

Secondly i was wondering what the white layer of what looks like icing could be as i always assumed it was paint?

Many thanks.
Mark

On 2021-08-29 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@Julie,

Using the on page search box to search this website for "asbestos in fiberboard"

finds

SHEATHING, FIBERBOARD ASBESTOS CONTENT

https://inspectapedia.com/structure/Fiberboard-Sheathing-Asbestos.php

Please take a look.

On 2021-08-29 by Julie

Ok so the ceiling large panel or board im referring too was like particle board,fiberboard,something that looked like that and not drywall material or small tiles or drop ceilings so my question is would asbestos be found in the fiberboard type ceiling boards from the 50s.

I have known of it to for sure be in mobile home ceilings with the small square tiles

On 2021-08-29 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - possible asbestos in 1970s mobile home ceiling panels of unknown material

@Julie,

Some 1950s ceiling materials including those used in mobile homes might have contained asbestos. That includes at least some ceiling tiles or panels as well as some drywall and drywall joint compound.

There is really nothing more we can say about your specific home that would be useful and not wildly speculative, given now knowing that its ceiling was removed, you don't own the home, and the building where you saved a bit of the ceiling burned down.

On 2021-08-29 by Julie

@inspectapedia.com.moderator, I don't have the mobile home anymore the ceiling has done been torn out and repaired a couple years ago and was told by the person working on it that it may be asbestos after it had been torn into and I saved a piece in a outbuilding and then the building gets burned on my property and ashes covered up in dirt

so now I don't know whether my yard may contain asbestos so that's why I'm wondering what they made these old mobile home ceilings with and if they were known to contain asbestos or not

On 2021-08-29 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Julie,

I'm having a tough time making a useful guess about ceiling materials I haven't seen; if you can get a photo of the material, especially showing an edge or back surface, that'd be helpful.

Else to be safest treat the material is presumed to contain asbestos. That's not a reason to be panicked to just being such a don't want to tear it up or do demolition or create a dusty mess.

On 2021-08-29 by Julie

My mobile home was in the United states not the u.k.

On 2021-08-29 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Julie,

There were some large-sheet ceiling and wall covering products used in the 50s and 60s, varying by country. We recently added documentation asbestos-board ceiling and wall panels, sold with beveled edges, used in Australia and other U.K. areas in those decades.

On 2021-08-29 by Julie

The ceiling was not square tiles but a large sheet like size of the whole ceiling,so in 50s and 60s mobile homes,would asbestos only be in the small square tiles?

would asbestos be in a 1950s mobile home ceiling.the ceiling is not tiles,it is a panel or board material

On 2021-07-23 by Doug

Thank you, I sincerely appreciate all the helpful info and advice on this page.

On 2021-07-23 by (mod)

@Doug,

As long as you're not having to create a dusty mess (such as by demolition that chops saws grinds) wear appropriate gear, control any dust, damp wipe, HEPA vac whatever falls.

Fiberglass is not asbestos;

Other materials in ceiling tiles are less certain; treat with care or test a sample.

On 2021-07-23 by Doug

Thanks so much! Think it's worth testing beforehand or should we just wear a respirator just in case?

On 2021-07-23 by (mod)

@Doug,

That looks like a suspended ceiling in which case the tiles probably lift out intact.

On 2021-07-22 by Doug

@inspectapedia.com.moderator,

Ah you're so right, and frankly the anxiety I created for myself might be worse than the risk...

My worry is that we intend on renovating this area and removing the ceiling tiles. I did find what seems to be backups of the first set of ceiling tiles and, like you said, it does seem to be fiberglass from the looks of it.

I am still concerned about the 2nd set of ceiling tiles (there are 2 types in adjacent sections of the basement) because of what seems to be this grayish looking material on a slightly 'damaged' portion that shows part of the cross-section - I'm attaching an image of the 2nd tile below.

Thank you!

On 2021-07-22 by inspectapedia.com.moderator - guessing at asbestos in two kinds of suspended ceiling tiles

@Doug,

I don't have a really good look but in one of your photos I think I see the edge of what looks like a fiberglass panel. Perhaps you can take a closer, better lit photo.

Don't let it frighten you, that could be a worse hazard than the ceiling itself.

Even if a ceiling tile contains asbestos, if it's intact and you're not demolishing it or creating a dusty mess it's not likely to be a measurable or detectable hazard.

On 2021-07-21 by Doug

This second picture is of the 2nd type of ceiling tile nearby:

Hi, thanks so much for this site and helpful resources.
Canadian house built in the 50s. There are 2 kinds of suspended ceiling tiles in the basement and after going down an asbestos rabbit hole I'm honestly too nervous to even touch them :) I'm wondering how likely it it that they contain asbestos. Thanks!

On 2021-07-15 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Levi,

With no information but size, your best guess, short of having a sample tested, is given as some simple questions above on this page.

Meanwhile, based on your brief description, treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos.

That does not mean it needs to be removed.

On 2021-07-15 by Levi

This 60cm x 60cm x 1.6cm ceiling tile in my room has a crack showing a hard, grey, cement like substance with unidentified fibers. Could it have asbestos in it?

On 2021-06-21 by mak.church (mod)

@Nick,

I'd refer you to the steps on this page:

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

Unfortunately the number that you give is probably a lot number or possibly a date code; without more information we don't have a translate key for it. Even looking at photos of ceiling tile patterns is tricky because there are a lot of ceiling tile patterns that look quite similar.

So our best advice is to leave the material alone, in which case even if it contains asbestos it's not considered a hazard unless it's being damaged or demolished so as to produce dust and debris.

If circumstances require that you disturb or damage the tile so that it's not possible to avoid making a dusty mess, then the choices are to be treated as presumed to contain asbestos or have a sample tested. If you do decide to have a sample tested, please give us the result as well as that may help other readers.

On 2021-06-21 by Nick - 24" square ceiling tiles stamped 3099A

Just purchased a house that has a fully finished basement that was done in early 1990s. The basement has drop ceiling tile 24x24 inch with “3099A” stamped on the rear of the tiles. Could you identify this tile? Haven’t been able to find anything regarding this stamp/number so far.

On 2021-06-14 - by (mod) -

@Mehmet,

Good news on the "no asbestos in ceiling tile" lab report. Thank you so much for adding it here - as that will be helpful to other readers.

On 2021-06-14 by Mehmet

@mak.church, just got the test results, no asbestos thankfully. I've attached the test results.

On 2021-06-11 by mak.church (mod)

@Mehmet,
When the interior of the ceiling tile looks gray like this it might still be harmless - paper based - but our OPINION is that with this appearance there's a bit more risk that it contains asbestos.

Our best and most-complete advice is still on this page. I'm glad you have reviewed the above information and are taking appropriate steps.

Let us know if you have additional questions, and we'll be interested in hearing the results of your testing.

On 2021-06-11 by Mehmet

@mak.church, Thank you. Not sure why my image didn't show up, but your note on exposed-surface appearance and age has been well noted. I've retried posting the image here just in case. I will be sending it out to get tested. Thank you again.

On 2021-06-11 by mak.church (mod)

@Mehmet,
Unfortunately we can't make a reliable "asbestos or not" guess on ceiling tiles from exposed-surface appearance nor building age alone, though the age of your home means that asbestos was common in products like ceiling and floor tiles when the home was built. Please see the above section on this page:

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 testing a ceiling tile sample.

On 2021-06-10 by Mehmet

Just purchased a 1950s house, and was pulling down some ceiling tiles until I realized it might have asbestos. Any thoughts here? I couldn't find any extra tiles or identifying information on the tile itself.

On 2021-06-05 by mak.church (mod)

@James,
You're on the right page -
Without knowing the age of the tiles and short of having the material tested, I would recommend going through the steps listed above.

In fact if the ceiling tiles did contain asbestos but are undamaged and not being disturbed, they're not shedding asbestos and you wouldn't detect an airborne asbestos hazard in the building from that source.

The risk comes instead if the ceiling is being demolished or disturbed or damaged. Advice from experts agrees that it's better to leave such materials in place then try to remove them.

Let us know if you have additional questions.

On 2021-06-05 by James

Just purchased a 1920’s house, no info on when this ceiling tile was installed, but hoping for clarification on whether it’s likely to contain asbestos?

On 2021-06-03 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Becklyn,

Thank you for helpful question about encapsulating asbestos-containing ceiling tiles in order to reduce the asbestos risk.

In fact if the ceiling tiles are undamaged and not being disturbed, they're not shedding asbestos and you wouldn't detect an airborne asbestos hazard in the building from that source.

The risk comes instead if the ceiling is being demolished or disturbed or damaged.

Advice from experts agrees that it's better to leave such materials in place then try to remove them.

Nevertheless there may be other reasons that you want to paint the ceiling including its General age and appearance. And you certainly can do that. There will be a slight reduction in the acoustical sound deadening properties of the ceiling tiles.

On 2021-06-02 by Becklyn

Basement ceiling tiles were installed in mid-to-late 1960's. Recently I decided to replace three tiles that have been damaged. I found a leftover box of the tiles in a box in the garage. The box indicates they are Simpson acoustical ceiling tiles, made by Simpson Timber Company in Seattle, WA. From reading your website it these tiles likely have asbestos. Can painting over them mitigate asbestos exposure? Is it terribly expensive to have the tiles removed if they are, in fact, made with asbestos?

On 2021-05-24 - by (mod) -

@Mike J, I agree with your reasoning. To make a better guess 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

On 2021-05-24 by Mike J

Hi, what are the chances this tile contains asbestos? It's probably from the mid 70s and has no identification. To me if looks like it is made up of a wood or paper pulp.
Thanks!

On 2021-04-20 - by (mod) -

@Joe,

Apologies but nobody can reliably state that that light-coloured ceiling tile does or does not contain asbestos just by eyeballing it.

While some materials might be recognized as not-likely to contain asbestos (like wood and paper products or some fiberboards), whitish or gray material of unknown substance are not so easily categorized.

On 2021-04-20 by Joe

Drop ceiling that appears to never have been popped. Lots of dust above tiles. Building and ceiling likely mid 60s. Brand name of tiles appears to be Safetone, and USG. Does this look like asbestos

On 2021-04-03 by Joe

Thanks that's very reassuring and much appreciated.

A few Qs:

- Is 1986 the cut-off for asbestos tiles in the UK as well as the US?
- If I did want to take a sample do you know how I'd manage that without releasing fibres?
- Should I be worried about fibres already released into the house?

Thanks again!

On 2021-04-03 - by (mod) -

@Joe, that looks like a cellulose- or wood- type ceiling tile and of course if it's after 1986 it's not likely to contain asbestos in any case.

Short of having the material tested

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

at https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Ceiling_Tiles.php#asbmaybe

can help make a better guess.

For a small area of damage like shown in your photo, you might consider simply sealing the surface with a close-matching spray paint.

On 2021-03-29 - by (mod) -

@Adam, thank you for the nice note in for taking the time to write it. I've been working hard on this material for over 20 years so I am especially grateful when readers find it useful and trustworthy.

On 2021-03-29 by Adam

Thank you so much for your reply, and for the ongoing work on this site!

On 2021-03-29 - by (mod) -

@Adam,

I agree that that looks like an antique acoustic ceiling tile and that some of those contain asbestos. Unfortunately to know unequivocally whether or not there is asbestos you would need to have the material tested or to find a manufacturer as identification stamp including both brand and product model.

On 2021-03-01 - by (mod) -

@Kaj, that looks like a wood fiber product but of course unfortunately anyone answering questions like this has to say the only certain answer you kind obtain when you don't have a manufacturer's product identification stamp is by having representative samples tested for asbestos.

On 2021-05-18 by (mod) - asbestos in mobile home ceiling materials?

@julie,

What's on the ceiling? I wouldn't expect there to be ceiling tiles.

But over the life of a seventy-year old mobile home various remodeling and changes could have used asbestos-containing drywall, joint compound, or something else.

To make even a wild guess at the asbestos ceiling question we'd need to have some idea of what ceiling materials are installed.

On 2021-05-18 by julie

would a 50s model new moon mobile home ceiling have asbestos

On 2021-05-16 - by (mod) -

@Sam, Please see what info we have at

US GYPSUM CEILING TILES

On 2021-05-15 by Sam

Do USG Plateau 425 ceiling tiles contain asbestos? I have a UPC of 8109800024. I can’t find a date on them

On 2021-04-28 - by (mod) -

@Courtney, Unfortunately we can't make a reliable "asbestos or not" guess on ceiling tiles from exposed-surface appearance nor building age alone, though the age of your home means that asbestos was common in products like ceiling and floor tiles when the home was built.

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

at

https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Ceiling_Tiles.php#asbmaybe

will let you make the best guess you can pending actually testing a ceiling tile sample.

On 2021-04-28 by Courtney

This are the tiles in the basement

1965 Ranch house has ceiling tiles on top floor in picture below, unsure if asbestos.
Basement tiles appear to be 1970's Armstrong non asbestos tiles.

 

On 2021-04-07 - by (mod) - will the disturbance of roof repair make 1960s ceiling tiles unsafe and an asbestos risk?

@Anonymous, thanks back; stay safe.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2021-04-07 by Anonymous

Of course. Thank you.

On 2021-04-07 - by (mod) -

@Anonymous, right but beyond the answer I've given you as a best-reasonable-effort, I hope you'll agree that to speculate further about someone's life, health, safety, without a shred of information is in my opinion unsafe and a poor idea.

On 2021-04-07 by Anonymous

Well, it was meant to be a somewhat speculative question since it I don't have a good sense of how much vibration is necessary to cause asbestos ceiling tiles to release fibers assuming no other structural damage to the tiles themselves.

The roofing above the tiles is definitely being cut and chopped causing dust inside, but I'm also finding very small white bits that look like the ceiling tile which concerned me. Thanks for your time.

On 2021-04-06 - by (mod) -

@Courtney,

With the apology that no one can Speculate reliably based on some text, it seems unlikely that your ceiling tiles are sharing materials are not being cut, chopped, ground, etc.

On 2021-04-06 by Courtney

Hello, I have a 1959 home with what I am going to assume are asbestos ceiling tiles throughout most of the house.

They are in good condition so I have not bothered to have them tested or done any kind of remediation.

However, I am having my roof replaced and the banging from the re-roofing process has caused some small particles to fall to the ground. So while the tiles themselves are not being cut, etc. is this enough to "disturb" them and release airborne fibers?

On 2021-04-03 by Joe

Thanks that's very reassuring and much appreciated.

A few Qs:

- Is 1986 the cut-off for asbestos tiles in the UK as well as the US?

- If I did want to take a sample do you know how I'd manage that without releasing fibres?

- Should I be worried about fibres already released into the house?

Thanks again!

On 2021-04-03 - by (mod) -

@Joe, that looks like a cellulose- or wood- type ceiling tile and of course if it's after 1986 it's not likely to contain asbestos in any case.

Short of having the material tested

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

can help make a better guess.

For a small area of damage like shown in your photo, you might consider simply sealing the surface with a close-matching spray paint.

On 2021-04-03 by Joe

Hi folks. These site seems a great resource. Any idea about these ceiling tiles? They're 12 inch square. I'd guess 1980s at the earliest, but I'm only renting, so not sure. This is in London, UK.

 

On 2021-03-29 - by (mod) -

@Adam, thank you for the nice note in for taking the time to write it. I've been working hard on this material for over 20 years so I am especially grateful when readers find it useful and trustworthy.

On 2021-03-29 by Adam

Thank you so much for your reply, and for the ongoing work on this site!

On 2021-03-29 - by (mod) -

@Adam,

I agree that that looks like an antique acoustic ceiling tile and that some of those contain asbestos. Unfortunately to know unequivocally whether or not there is asbestos you would need to have the material tested or to find a manufacturer as identification stamp including both brand and product model.

On 2021-03-28 by Adam

Hello,

We have purchased an old cottage/home that was built in 1940. In the back is has what was once used as a guesthouse. I am guessing that we will be best off following the advice given in steps 1 to 6 above. Not sure when the "guesthouse" was built, but it feels quite dated.

Looks to me as though the yellow tile resembles the acoustic tiles you mention as containing asbestos. This is in Canada, btw.

Thank you for your help!

On 2021-03-28 - by (mod) -

@Rob C., that's a reasonable guess

On 2021-03-28 by Rob C.

Started renovating a home built in 1967. One bedroom had Armstrong tiles with date code of 2017. These ones (pictured) have what appears to be a partial date code. Tile measures 10inx10in and 1in thick. They are dense and not easily broken.

When removed from the ceiling the mastic was still out gassing a sweet smell. With a date code of “6W10318” Could these be USG tiles from March of 2018? It almost seems like there is a portion of the date code missing.

Any thoughts?

On 2021-03-0 - by (mod) -

@Kaj, that looks like a wood fiber product but of course unfortunately anyone answering questions like this has to say the only certain answer you kind obtain when you don't have a manufacturer's product identification stamp is by having representative samples tested for asbestos.

On 2021-03-01 by Kaj

I live in a Canadian home of somewhat indeterminate age (older than 90s) but it's hard to be sure when the basement that uses this tiles was converted into an inlaw suite. I found this spare example of the ceiling tiles so I could take some photos. Should I be concerned about asbestos mixed in?

Question: is it likely that this ceiling tile has asbestos?

Al · Mar 10, 2021

I'm removing some ceiling tiles in my upstairs bedroom, I've read in multiple places that asbestos ceiling tiles come in 2'x2' or 2'x4'.

My tiles are 16"x16". Is it possible they have asbestos or is it unlikely?

Here [above] is a picture of my tile, I think I'm a safer than I I originally thought, but your opinion is very welcomed.

No manufacturer info on the back.

Thank you very much. You and this page are a great source of help and information.

Moderator reply:

At the article ASBESTOS CEILING TILE IDENTIFICATION we give 5 Easy Steps to make a reasonable guess at whether or not your ceiling tiles contain asbestos - the best one can do short of actually having a lab test performed.

You cannot assume that based on dimension alone (in your case 16" tiles) that a ceiling product is asbestos free.

Like floor tiles, asbestos-containing ceiling tiles were produced in a broad range of sizes and patterns, though it's true that some were more-common than others.

On 2021-02-24 by Kieran - does this ceiling contain asbestos?

@Kieran, and this is a picture of the ceiling

Hello. I have a little room that I want to renovate. The house was built in the 1960s and we want to know if the walls and ceiling looks like it contains asbestos. Thanks

On 2021-02-24 - by (mod) - Textured ceiling and wall paint often contain asbestos, depending on when made:

Textured ceiling and wall paint often contain asbestos, depending on when made:

see CEILING PAINT TEXTURED / POPCORN ASBESTOS

Drywall and joint compound often contain asbestos - depending on when made: see

ASBESTOS in DRYWALL

On 2021-02-23 by Richard

This is another pic of the same ceiling tile...

I recently bought a house built in 1965 and i concerning if the ceiling tiles have asbestos or not. They do not have manufacturer’s ID.

On 2021-02-23 - by (mod) -

@Richard, while I cannot say for certain from simply photographs that looks to me like fiberglass suspended ceiling tile

On 2021-02-21 by Fiberglass 2X4 - does this fiberglass panel contain asbestos?

Hi, my ceiling tiles look just like this picture above on your site: https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Fiberglass-ceiling-panel-383-BobB.jpg.

Here is a cross section. I can't find manufacturer info on the back. It is definitely fiberglass, but could it contain asbestos? House was built 1964-66.

On 2021-02-21 - by (mod) - 1960s fiberglass suspended ceiling panel not likely to contain asbestos

@Fiberglass 2X4,

One would not expect a fiberglass ceiling tile to contain asbestos unless it's by cross-contamination. I've seen cross-contamination, for example, when a non-asbestos suspended ceiling was installed below asbestos spray-on roof insulation or asbestos pipe insulation that were themselves disturbed by workers.

On 2021-02-11 by Kent

Any thoughts? Drop ceiling tile in the shop if a garage built in ‘50’s. No insulation anywhere in garage, just wooden roof.

On 2021-02-11 by (mod) - 1950s plant/wood fibre ceiling panel ?

I guess that you're asking me if your photo is of an asbestos-containing material: that looks like a wood-based product; regrettably to be absolutely certain you'd need to either find a manufacturer's product ID that could be researched, or you'd have a sample of the material tested for asbestos IF you are facing a costly demolition or cleanup job.

 

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Continue reading at DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see ASBESTOS CEILING TILE FAQs-2 - more-recently posted pictures and questions about asbestos-suspect ceiling tiles

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

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

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ASBESTOS HAZARDS

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