Hi,
I’m renovating my house (built 1912) and I discovered vermiculite insulation in the ceiling above the kitchen. Since some vermiculite contains asbestos, I brought it in to get tested. The lab says that they couldn’t see any asbestos in the sample (about a cup) that I gave them. They said that this does not mean that there is no asbestos, but that if it is there it is less than 1% of the material.
I’m wondering if I should just leave the rest of it alone or if it is safe to tear the ceiling down. I can see some evidence of a water leak in the ceiling (though it looks old) and I wanted to get up there and investigate. Also, I wanted to rewire the lights in the kitchen, which would mean going into the ceiling. Any experts out there? Would you consider this a low-risk situation?
Thanks!
Replies
Expert? Not I. But I've followed the vermiculite follies for several years
Having looked a couple of weeks ago, the EPA website still says to contain it place and not to disturb it.
A message here recently asserted that with asbestos, the amount of contamination doesn't matter, it only takes one fiber to cause the problem.
I don't know about that assertion, myself.
Personally, and speaking just for myself, I'd probably suit up with really good respirator and tyvek and use a hepa vacuum setup outside and get it out of there. (Then again, I smoked for over 30 years, so how smart am I?)
I'm also in an area where air quality issues aren't real hot topic; I'd thiunk twice about that advice in a state like Massachusetts.
And, if you ever get asbestosis, I'm willing to deny I posted this message.
Edited 8/28/2005 6:52 pm ET by rjw