Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Asbestos

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Wallboard/Veneer Plaster
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 22 Feb 2001
Time: 07:53 AM

Comments

The only way to know for sure whether the ceiling you cut contains asbestos is to have it professionally tested.

However, until the late 1970's in the US, asbestos was commonly used in many drywall taping/spackling compounds (drywall mud), as well as stucco and acoustical ceiling spray.

Given the age of your ceiling (32 years), this falls within the range of possible asbestos usage. Therefore, to be safe, you should assume that your ceiling DOES contain asbestos and take all the necessary precautions henceforth.

Your first instincts were correct: you wore a dust mask -- which helps to reduce your exposure. However, to really protect you and your family, you should wear an OSHA-approved respirator as well as a plastic suit to protect your clothing from absorbing airborne dust.

Understand that one exposure to small amounts of asbestos is not likely to result in long-term health hazards. Most of the cases on record deal with long-term repeated exposure to airborne asbestos, such as drywall removers, shipyard builders, brake repair mechanics, etc. And even then, some people are more susceptible than others to develop ill effects.

Nonetheless, asbestos should be taken seriously, even if it's one exposure -- and doing everything possible to minimize your exposure should be assumed.

Since asbestos dust becomes airborne very quickly (such as when removing or cutting drywall), it is essential to thoroughly seal off the area you're working in by taping plastic from ceiling to floor in as small of an area that's comfortable for you.

You should thoroughly vacuum afterwards...and discard the vacuum bag...as well as wash your body and clothes to avoid spreading dust around. This is why professional asbestos removers wear special protective clothing.

We're glad you brought up this topic since many homeowners unwittingly cut open their walls or ceilings without realizing that they may be exposing themselves and their families to asbestos contamination. At least now, people can be aware of the potential problem and plan accordingly.

A good source of asbestos-related links is available at:

http://www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/LINKS/Asbestos.htm

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