Important Warning About Asbestos if You Have Acoustic “Popcorn” Ceilings in Your Home

If you own or rent a house or apartment with acoustic ceilings (usually called “popcorn” ceilings because of the texture of the coating), you need to be aware of vitally important information if you or the owners of your property are remodeling and removing this coating, as it may contain asbestos.

This spray-on ceiling coating was frequently used as a quick fix to repair ceilings in many homes and apartments instead of the more expensive and time-consuming process of re-plastering. It was also seen as a less costly alternative to other methods used to hide tape, nail heads and other flaws used for ceilings.

In both the construction of new homes and apartments, as well as those remodeled from the 1960’s through the 1980’s, the popcorn coating contained asbestos. If you inhale asbestos fibers, you and your family are at risk for developing lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and Mesothelioma.

In some cases, the owners of apartment buildings have failed to take the necessary precautions before beginning large scale remodeling projects. For example, in an apartment building in New York City, the owners failed to heed the warnings of a tenants group who had asked for more testing to be done to make certain that the removal of dangerous materials was being performed safely. That tenants group finally won their battle, but after many months of being exposed to dangerous asbestos dust.

If you are a tenant in an apartment building or home where large renovations are being done, you need to make certain that the owner of the property has had several samples of the ceiling coating sent to a lab for testing. Otherwise, you, your family, and your neighbors (if you live in an apartment building) will be exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers.

If you are not certain that the proper tests have been done, you should contact your city’s Environmental Protection Department to request that independent testing be performed to make sure that asbestos containing materials are removed safely.

Whether you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis as a result of exposure to asbestos, you depend on your medical team to provide the best care for your illness. You also need a highly qualified and experienced team of mesothelioma lawyers. At Weitz & Luxenberg, we can help you file a lawsuit to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering and other expenses.Learn more about the legal resources available to you by filling out the form below.