Asbestos in the closet! What do I do??

Nela2020 wrote: ↑ Moved into new aparment and found out there is asbestos in popcorn ceiling, however also the inside of big closet ceiling has the same ceiling. I was stuffing it with things which were definitelly touching and brushing it because I was trying to fit there as many things as possible and putting stuffed bags and other things in and out while touching and brushing the ceiling. What to do with the stuff now? Throw it out or keep it and somehow clean it? How to clean it? What to even do with that part of closet? Never use it there? What are the dangers? Please help. Thanks!!!

How do you know there's asbestos? Did you test it? Only SOME popcorn ceiling contains asbestos.

when was the property built? Any building after the late 70s do not contain asbestos ...

https://www.asbestos.com/exposure/home/

It doesn't seem to be a common area where Asbestos is found.

Risk of Asbestos is that the fibre can break off and you can consume (and over time develop medical issues). Even if its in paint (as you mentioned) its stuck in - its not flying around and causing issues. I am sorry, I am not an expert but I don't think its in the Paint (especially just by looking)

I opened the thread anticipating the OP found an old roll of asbestos like I found in my dads basement tucked up above the heating vents!

Relax OP - asbestos related issues are for people who worked with it for decades - some minor dust isn't going to do anything, definitely not more harm then inhaling car exhaust or second hand smoke in passing.

engineered wrote: ↑ How do you know there's asbestos? Did you test it? Only SOME popcorn ceiling contains asbestos.

Because the building is from 1970 and a reconstruction guy said its most likely. From whatever I read it looks like all popcorn ceilings in 1970 were using asbestos.

jdmfishingonly wrote: ↑ when was the property built? Any building after the late 70s do not contain asbestos ...

1970 ( i just uptdated in the official post)

PrinceMS wrote: ↑ https://www.asbestos.com/exposure/home/

It doesn't seem to be a common area where Asbestos is found.

Risk of Asbestos is that the fibre can break off and you can consume (and over time develop medical issues). Even if its in paint (as you mentioned) its stuck in - its not flying around and causing issues. I am sorry, I am not an expert but I don't think its in the Paint (especially just by looking)

Actually from whatever i read its is very common in popcorn ceilings in 1970 unforunatelly. Yes i kind of hope its in paint somehow locked but then when i brushed it many times by things againt it so not sure what is the real danger, so wondering if someone knows. Articles says you should not disturb that ceiling and dont put boxes hight on the closet.

superscoots wrote: ↑ Relax OP - asbestos related issues are for people who worked with it for decades - some minor dust isn't going to do anything, definitely not more harm then inhaling car exhaust or second hand smoke in passing.

I really hope its like that. Although knowing that it gets to my lungs and will stay they forever no matter what amount, is freaking me out. I also dont know how to deal with the things. Keep, throw out, wash, its mostly clothes there and bags. And weather to even use that top part of closet, wish to know if its safe.

Nela2020 wrote: ↑ I really hope its like that. Although knowing that it gets to my lungs and will stay they forever no matter what amount, is freaking me out. I also dont know how to deal with the things. Keep, throw out, wash, its mostly clothes there and bags. And weather to even use that top part of closet, wish to know if its safe.

Just like your other thread... Nobody here can tell you whether you have asbestos or not. If you’re concerned and want peace of mind, get it tested. You can even get an air quality test done, as I suggested in that thread.

If you’re concerned about your closet, get a piece of drywall or even cardboard and attach it to the ceiling over your shelves. Then you won’t brush against it when you’re throwing stuff up there.

As far as your current stuff goes... If I was in your situation (and concerned), I’d throw it in the wash and call it a day.

C

Nela2020 wrote: ↑ Because the building is from 1970 and a reconstruction guy said its most likely. From whatever I read it looks like all popcorn ceilings in 1970 were using asbestos.

You need to get it tested, then you'll know if you're fine, or already dead.

your renting, call your landlord. not your problem.

Here's what I would do: I would buy a test kit - they're cheap and all you have to do is collect a small sample and send it to the lab. Within a couple of weeks, they will tell you if your ceiling "popcorn" contains asbestos. If it doesn't, you can relax; if it does, then you should have a conversation with the landlord. Asbestos remediation is expensive and a landlord will undoubtedly be more interested in painting over the popcorn than removing it. Depending on what they do, you can make a decision if you want to go on living in that building. But this needs to start with knowledge of the presence of asbestos - suspicion isn't enough at this point.

Paint over it.

baymoe wrote: ↑ Paint over it.

This! Seal it up, then it's no longer a problem.

Asbestos was used in building products in Canada until the mid-1980s. Wasn't banned in Canada until 2018.

In BC, if building was built before 1990, and you do renovations you are suppose to do testing for asbestos


https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-sa ... k-asbestos
“If you're planning to renovate or demolish a home built before 1990, as a homeowner you need to talk to your contractor about planning for asbestos testing and proper removal. While there may be an additional cost to identify and remove asbestos, doing so will ensure the health and safety of everyone working on the project.”

For the OP, You have zero to worry about. It takes one hell of a lot of more exposure that what you got.