Ceiling remodel may cause adverse health effects

Make sure contractor takes necessary precautions
By: Barry Stone: Inman News
Dear Barry,
After buying our 1971 home, we hired a remodeling contractor and had him remove the acoustic (popcorn) ceilings. We asked if he was going to test for asbestos before starting the removal, but he said this was not necessary since he would wear a mask while doing the work. Now that the job is done, we're worried about air contamination and possible health effects on our daughter. What's your take on this situation? – Theresa

Dear Theresa,

What your contractor did was totally illegal and could result in suspension of his license (assuming that he has a license). What's more, he could be financially liable for consequential asbestos contamination that may have occurred in your home.

In most cases, acoustic ceiling texture dating from the 1970s, particularly the early '70s, contains some asbestos. Testing is always required prior to removing such material. When testing reveals asbestos content, far more than a mere mask is needed to prevent air contamination and to comply with applicable safety requirements. Furthermore, removal of asbestos containing materials is only legal when performed by persons who are appropriately licensed, and both removal and disposal of such materials must be performed in ways that comply with applicable safety requirements.

To determine whether the contractor's ill-advised removal of the ceiling texture released asbestos fibers into your home, an air test should be performed by a certified asbestos inspector. Hopefully, no contamination will be found.

Dear Barry,

We have cement tile siding and have been told that it contains asbestos. Some tiles have fallen off or are loose and need to be replaced or reattached. We are reluctant to do anything because we are concerned about asbestos health hazards. What are your thoughts on this issue? Can we do the work ourselves, or do we need to hire specialists? If specialists are needed, what qualifications are required? – Judy

Dear Judy,

The tile siding on your home consists of a material called transite, a composite of cement and asbestos fibers. Since the asbestos is encapsulated in a solid medium, fibers are not readily released into the air. Therefore, transite is not regarded as a significant health hazard if left alone. Abrasive processes, such as sawing, drilling, grinding, scraping, or sanding are the only likely means of producing dust that would be unsafe to breathe.

If the tiles can be resecured without releasing asbestos fibers, you should be able to perform the necessary repairs without adverse consequence. However, work that might release asbestos fibers should be referred to a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. If you choose to do the work yourself, consult an asbestos abatement contractor for an evaluation of the situation and for advice regarding appropriate safety procedures.

To write to Barry Stone, please visit him on the Web at www.housedetective.com.