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October 22, 2008 at 11:22 pm #588456
r26MemberWe have a WS home from the 1920’s, like most WS homes when we had an inspection they said there *might* be asbestos because of the type of instillation in the attic but if we didn’t mess with it we would be fine.
Well – anyone add second floor (or even put in new instillation?) to their home and have any advice on how not to risk it getting into my house (and my lungs?!).
October 23, 2008 at 4:31 am #644507
AnonymousInactive*Because of the great health risks, the disposal of asbestos is regulated by federal, state, and local laws.* Local regulations here.
http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/toxic/asbestos.aspx
Most people end up hiring a professional. My neighbors did some removal on their own and had to be outfitted like a haz-mat unit. Head to toe coverage including a ventilation mask. All they were taking off was some pipe insulation in the basement and it was a major ordeal.
When dealing with a popcorn ceiling you can get away with wetting it down as you work to prevent asbestos dust. Not sure what would be suggested for the attic. Whatever you decide, I wouldn’t disturb it until you have it tested to be sure what your dealing with. Good luck.
October 23, 2008 at 4:37 am #644508
ZenguyParticipantI agree with JT of course. A funny story though, I went to Madison Jr High and they had asbestos ceilings, we would shoot paperclips on rubberbands, pencils and anything else we could get to stick in it at the ceiling. It would send down a cloud of dust of course, they removed it my last year there.
October 23, 2008 at 5:27 am #644509
PDieterParticipantget the cart back in front of the horse…”might” is a CYA for the inspector. Get it tested and know what you are dealing with.
October 24, 2008 at 3:03 am #644510
r26MemberI’ve read that even if you do test it that it does not 100% tell you if you have it or not – you might or might not send a “good” sample so unless you test it ALL you can’t be sure.
Ugh. We will move! :)
October 24, 2008 at 5:27 am #644511
cjboffoliParticipantr26: Look on the bright side. The asbestos damage to your lungs won’t manifest itself for 15-40 years. So there’s that.
October 24, 2008 at 9:28 pm #644512
vincentMemberAsbestos is overrated as far as a health concern goes. The huge payout lawsuits for the couple of people who really got jacked up on it turned it into a litigation industry. Its the highest paying search term on the internet. http://www.cwire.org/2007/07/09/mesothelioma-layers-paying-top-search-dollars/
Asbestos is only dangerous if the microscopic fibers get loose then airborne, and then lodged in your lungs, in large quantity. Most types of asbestos that are common, are in a solid form. Loose asbestos fill is pretty rare in WA. Its much more common in popcorn, tiles, shingles and my personal favorite in old houses, under paint fire retardant ( your walls will kill you )
your choices are:
leave it alone
call a professional
Its everywhere though, mostly from brake shoes in cars and other crap you have never heard of. My favorite is how its turning up in ground water, and so any drying puddle can kill you!
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