diff --git a/src/core/util/util.js b/src/core/util/util.js
index e31c4dd7cf2..9ce1a70e9b5 100644
--- a/src/core/util/util.js
+++ b/src/core/util/util.js
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ function UtilFactory($document, $timeout, $compile, $rootScope, $$mdAnimate, $in
           scrollMask.off('wheel');
           scrollMask.off('touchmove');
 
-          if (!options.disableScrollMask) {
+          if (!options.disableScrollMask && scrollMask[0].parentNode ) {
             scrollMask[0].parentNode.removeChild(scrollMask[0]);
           }
         };