Relatives in Kansas City, Chris and Adam, innocently embarked on a remodeling project in their 1960's vintage home. Part of the project required removal of a textured or popcorn ceiling. Most of us don't even notice what kind of ceiling we have, unless a persistent dust bunny gets caught between the nubby little bits of plaster. If you are remodeling, it is time to pay attention to your ceiling.
My relatives didn't think twice about it either, even as the ceiling came down in chunks and was dragged on tarps through the entire length of their house. But when the dusty project came to a close, they began to wonder if there might be something in the air of their home.
After Chris did a little online research, she found that textured ceilings put up between 1950 and the mid 1980's may contain asbestos, (it was used for its fire resistance and as a strengthening material in all kinds of building products in those days). Asbestos was outlawed for most residential uses by 1978, but many contractors had a stock of building materials made of the stuff and continued to use it into the mid 1980's.
Asbestos fibers, if disturbed, become airborne and can get lodged deep in the lung tissue, potentially causing respiratory problems and a nasty cancer of the lining of the chest wall, mesothelioma. Asbestos related diseases can take 15-40 years before any serious symptoms are noticed. And smoking is known to increase the probability of disease. Let's just say that nothing good comes from inhaling asbestos.
Alarmed, they had their home tested and found very high levels of asbestos through out, including their young daughter's bedroom. In a panic, they moved out until they could have their home cleaned of the dangerous fibers by a professional asbestos remediation firm. It was a terribly scary and costly experience for them.
I, too, had remodeling done on 1950's vintage home with textured ceilings 15 years ago. I sold the home after a couple of years but I shudder to think, that just like my relative's experience, the contractor never once mentioned that the ceiling should first be tested for asbestos. Contractors are obligated to know this stuff for the sake of the occupant, as well as their workers and subcontractors.
If you are headed down the remodeling path, ask your contractor about your ceilings. If your house was built or remodeled between 1950's and mid 1980's, insist on testing it for asbestos before any part of the ceiling is disturbed. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, make sure that you are well informed on the subject. There are many good online resources including the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Health in your state.
If you have an asbestos experience – good or bad - please share it with our readers.