big asbestes problem/dilemma

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10-31-2014
JustMe

big asbestes problem/dilemma

So I bought this house during the summer and it has popcorn ceilings. The feeling was there was probably asbestos in the ceiling, but it was best to leave it alone/not disturb and everything would be fine. Popcorn ceilings are very common in my neighborhood.

Well, to make a long story short there were 2 full length mirrors in my bedroom that I was told needed to be removed for the heating options I was considering. I had someone doing some unrelated work for me, and I showed him the mirrors. He told me he could remove them without disturbing the ceiling. Well, the ceiling was disturbed. I don't know what I was thinking as I don't see how they couldn't have been, but I always think others know more than me when it comes to this kind of thing. I called an asbestos specialist (not his exact title) my real estate agent had given me previously. He said that it didn't sound to bad, that I should wipe everything down, he assessed that I had a HEPA vacuum and then said I should vacuum. Okay, I did all that and then a few days later decided to get up on a ladder so I could wipe down the tops of the walls, which I had not done. When I got up on the ladder, I saw there were lots of pieces of "popcorn" hanging down. I called the specialist again and he told me to take wide cellophone packing tape and use it to stick those that were hanging down on to. I did that and in the process lots more came down, on me, on the ladder, etc. I am now very freaked out and, after talking to people decided to do a test to confirm there actually is asbestos. The test confirmed there was, which didn't surprise me.

Now, what to do? I do have an abatement company coming on Monday to give me an estimate, but it is very unclear what would be best at this point. I am afraid to sleep in my room (slept on the couch the last 2 nights) as I have had 2 "incidents" and don't feel sure the room is safe, although the 2 asbestos people I spoke with told me they don't think what i describe is a big deal..the truth is I don't know if anyone really knows since the effects are usually seen many years later. I have no idea what abatement will cost (I think someone recently posted on here they paid $3000 for a house that happened to be similar in size to mine but I did a google search and found a post on a different board from someone in my town stating they paid over$8000 for a house my size). Also not sure if that will be more or less safer as I assume they "disturb" it more to take it down..and its in my whole house except for the 2 very small bathrooms.

Oh, I also asked if it made sense to do an air quality test in my room right now. They said probably not as that just tests the number of "fibers" which includes various things, not just asbestos.

Any ideas or input is very much appreciated!
11-01-2014
JustMe

bump, anyone please?
11-01-2014
Reader

I don't know much about it but the little I do suggests that one time exposure is not as significant as years of working with asbestos. I definitely wouldn't sleep in the room but that's just me. I'd want someone out to contain it, then go through the whole HEPA vacuuming the walls and everything else process. In our area we have disaster companies who come out and contain mold from flooding and that sort of thing. Maybe call one of them and see if they can help? Good luck. Old house health issues can be really frightening.
11-01-2014
Tondi G

I don't know much about it but I remember reading that if you do your best to leave it alone, it is sealed and not harmful. With asbestos abatement they would seal off the room with plastic and wet and scrape, then clean and vacuum with a hepa filter... all that is removed is sealed in plastic bags to be taken away.

you can google the process. It is a major one. http://asbestosremovalcost.org/asbes...pcorn-ceiling/ http://asbestosremovalcost.org/asbestos-removal-prices/

Popcorn ceilings are more of a pain than flooring that contains asbestos... you can easily just put new flooring over the top and leave the asbestos flooring undisturbed.

as far as your room goes now. I would clean up as best you can. wipe everything down and vacuum and try to not to touch the ceiling anymore. I wonder if there is a way to seal the section that was disturbed?
11-01-2014
HannaAddict

It is the dust, not just hanging down asbestos. You should be fine if there is no dust to sleep in the room but I would look into having it dry walled over as soon as possible and do not remove it or continue to disturb it. Wetting it down keeps the dust down. Getting on your skin doesn't do anything, it is the dust and inhaling it. Very long latency period,
You wouldn't get sick for decades. And one time exposure isn't as major of a deal but some people are more genetically predisposed and can have very small exposures and years later develop disease and others can work with it for years and be fine. Women and children seem to be more susceptible in the studies and there are many cases of "take home" exposure. But in your case, don't mess with it and the vacuum idea is bad. I would get new filter and wash out your vacuum. Damp and wipe things down but don't vacuum with a regular vacuum. And wear mask that is rated for that if working with it.
11-02-2014
JustMe

Thank you! I have someone from the abatement company coming tomorrow...I hope I can find the line btwn paying too much for things I dont need and getting what is necessary done--it is so hard to know.
11-02-2014
HannaAddict

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustMe

Thank you! I have someone from the abatement company coming tomorrow...I hope I can find the line btwn paying too much for things I dont need and getting what is necessary done--it is so hard to know.

Abatement is very expensive if done correctly. If it is cheap, they aren't doing it right, sadly. There are many bad companies that claim to do abatement and do a lousy job and endanger their own workers, homeowners, and public (when throw it is the regular dump and don't pay for hazardous disposal. Your company may be fine, but just be aware.

't is fine to leave a popcorn ceiling in place as long as it isn't crumbling and creating dust. It is usually cheaper to drywall over the problem and encapsulate/enclose the issue that way. They can use thinner drywall than they would if no popcorn ceiling to take away less ceiling height and help the reveal on moldings (if you have them). You don't need an abatement company to drywall, but can get bids from regular contractors. I would also get more than one bid if you do decide to do abatement. Did your home inspection or the disclosures by the seller address the asbestos issue? Good luck.
11-02-2014
JustMe

Quote:

Originally Posted by HannaAddict

Abatement is very expensive if done correctly. If it is cheap, they aren't doing it right, sadly. There are many bad companies that claim to do abatement and do a lousy job and endanger their own workers, homeowners, and public (when throw it is the regular dump and don't pay for hazardous disposal. Your company may be fine, but just be aware.

't is fine to leave a popcorn ceiling in place as long as it isn't crumbling and creating dust. It is usually cheaper to drywall over the problem and encapsulate/enclose the issue that way. They can use thinner drywall than they would if no popcorn ceiling to take away less ceiling height and help the reveal on moldings (if you have them). You don't need an abatement company to drywall, but can get bids from regular contractors. I would also get more than one bid if you do decide to do abatement. Did your home inspection or the disclosures by the seller address the asbestos issue? Good luck.

Thank HannaAddict, you seem to know a lot about this. I knew it was fine to leave the ceiling in place, but am concerned about what has happened so far and how to make sure I have gotten as much of the "dust" as is possible. Also, I have a Dyson vacuum, which is HEPA, but is refurbished and sometimes I wonder if it really works as well as it should--so my big concern is taking care of what is in the air already. I know about wiping things down, but don't feel like I am the best housekeeper, so I hope I do it well enough--plus at this point I have had to do it 3x, but did the least best job the last time as I decided to just wait and see what the company suggested. Do you have any suggestion about what to do about that?

There are 2 companies that are consistently recommended where I live and one is coming out tomorrow. I talked to one of the guys on the phone and he was nice/I didn't feel like he was trying to upsell me but I think I need to talk to him again before the technician comes out..I was the one who brought up removal of the ceilings, not him, and I need to clarify things with him.