By Barry Stone
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.
. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our "