Removed popcorn ceiling without testing for asbestos - what can I do?
Mike Daily
last year
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Comments (14)
cat_ky
last yearwishiwereintheup
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Popcorn ceiling removal in California question (asbestos)
Comments (7)I would do the test. Removal is much cheaper if it does not contain asbestos, and disclosure is not a big deal since so many 1960's and 70's houses contain asbestos in the popcorn ceiling. The ceilings are not dangerous as long as the surface is not disturbed. When we bought our last house in CA, the living room, hall and 2 guest rooms still had the popcorn ceilings. We wanted the ceilings in the living room and hall re-textured to match the kitchen and family room. Tests showed the ceiling contained asbestos, so we paid for the expensive haz-mat style removal. When we sold the house, we filled out the standard disclosure forms during the escrow period. We disclosed that the popcorn in the 2 bedrooms likely contained asbestos because other rooms tested positive. The buyer did not even question it. If you are having all the popcorn in your house removed, you may not have to disclose anything since the material is removed (ask your agent). However, I do not think a buyer would be bothered by a disclosure that the house once had asbestos popcorn ceilings that were properly removed and you have a certificate showing proper removal....See MoreSend-away asbestos testing for popcorn ceilings?
Comments (2)I checked the yellow pages and on line for local companies. Called a few to find out if they did residential testing. I was able to mail a sample and have results within two days after mailing(within 24 hours after they receive it). It only cost me $25. There are differences in time, pricing so check with a few. Look into places that do testing for real estate sales-you know the type where someone comes in and advises a potential buyer of issues with a home they want to buy. They often do asbestos testing as well. I'm in MN so can't offer you any names that are local to you....See MoreAsbestos in Popcorn Ceiling/ worried sick
Comments (4)I worked for years as an environmental scientist, and one of the things I was responsible for was asbestos regulation, management, and removals. It's good to be alert to potential environmental hazards, but you don't know if there is any asbestos present and, if there is, what your husband did presented a trivial risk. You need to keep this in perspective: in almost any area in this country there is a small background level of asbestos that can be detected in the air, so it's not like you were perfectly protected from asbestos exposure until this recent little incident. I am not making light of your concerns, and the next time you disturb the ceiling you should have it tested first and use asbestos remediation methods if warranted. But, for now, please stop worrying about what happened. Your family will be ok. P.S.: Painting the ceiling was a good thing: if you actually do have asbestos, it's a good way to lock in any stray fibers....See MorePainting possible asbestos popcorn ceiling
Comments (6)That looks like a surface that is not crumbly/friable. If that is true, painting by whatever method should not result in fiber release in the event that it actually contains asbestos and shouldn't require out-of-the-ordinary procedures. Painting is a standard method of asbestos encapsulation in such situations....See MoreMike Daily
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last yearcat_ky
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