The textured paint, that is also known as “popcorn” paint for its resemblance to popcorn crumbs, has been really popular for almost 70 years. The paint’s recipe includes 1-5% of fibers that prevent the paint from pilling off the walls and make it overall stronger. These days industry uses paper and synthetic fibers, but if 
the paint was manufactured before 1981, it is likely to contain asbestos.
After testing of 1000th of paint samples, we learned that about 60% of them come positive, and usually contain between 1-4% of Chrysotile (type of asbestos most common in Canada).
Usually, only a thin layer of paint and primer contains asbestos. This is why it becomes important how to collect the sample. The picture on the right shows 2 chunks of drywall with a layer of popcorn paint on the right piece. This sample would be analyzed as a whole and the concentration of asbestos (if found) represents the average concentration of asbestos in paint and drywall.
Another way to take a sample of popcorn paint is to scrape some paint from 1 sq. inch of the ceiling and place the sample into a clean Ziploc bag. We need about 1/4 of a teaspoon of paint dust (see picture on the right). The test results of the paint analysis are more conclusive and point to the true source of asbestos.
To learn more about the test, how to submit the sample, and what is the cost, please visit our “asbestos testing” page.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to email us.
