I'm retired and constantly redoing things around the house. I
recently moved my washer and dryer to the basement.
The basement is drywalled and I cut hole for the vent.
An old friend came over, took one look at it, and said "did you check for asbestos". Well it never occurred to me. The drywall and related materials were installed in 1996. I have no idea as to the brand or
type of drywall used. Is my friend way off her rocker or should I be
concerned. My grandchildren sometimes want to play down there. The hole is bigger than the vent and thus exposed. Any info would be
appreciated......Right now I'm afraid to touch it. The drywall
throughout the rest of my house is from 1989. I have pulled
wallpaper off the 1989 drywall and because I did not
apply primer correctly (dummy) I had to use joint compound
and then sand. Could this 1989 drywall be made from asbestos?
What do you people in the drywall business do? Do you always test
before cutting or removing drywall?

 

You could have it tested to be 100% sure but, IIRC the use of asbestos in building materials ended in the mid 80's.

Asbestos is only "dangerous" when it is disturbed (like during construction) and can be inhaled. If it is undisturbed or encapsulated with paint there is minimal danger.

 

Thank you. As I stated my 1st and 2nd floor drywall were installed in 1989 when the
house was built. Was stuff manufactur

Thank you. Was drywall manufactured before
the ban allowed to be sold after the ban? Would you
know if foreign made drywall with abestos was still sold in Big Box
stores after the ban. If my drywall has asbestos would
cutting a piece out, as I did, release it? Would cutting out a piece for testing release
It?

 

<Opinion>Tell your friend he is far more likely to win the lottery twice then be bothered by a little asbestos even if present. Asbestos is really only dangerous if there is long term exposure over many years such as in a factory manufacturing products containing it. The media and asbestos abatement industry have over stated the danger to their benefit.

 

No asbestos in a house from 1989 period.

 

Thank you. I think anyone who bought a new home in the 70's or 80's that not in the
trades just assumes there is no asbestos in anything. But I now read that it could be in
Thank you. Interesting statement about asbestos abatement companies.
A fellow I used to work with once said the same thing about radon mitigators.
I think the average non trade person thinks all asbestos building materials were
eliminated in the 60's. I can just imagine what some people may be exposing
themselves to. Anyway I quess my drywall from 1996 should be ok and the stuff
from 1989 is likely to be ok.....I hope.

 

Thank you. I think anyone who bought a new home in the 70's or 80's that not in the
trades just assumes there is no asbestos in anything. But I now read that it could be in
Thank you. Interesting statement about asbestos abatement companies.
A fellow I used to work with once said the same thing about radon mitigators.
I think the average non trade person thinks all asbestos building materials were
eliminated in the 60's. I can just imagine what some people may be exposing
themselves to. Anyway I quess my drywall from 1996 should be ok and the stuff
from 1989 is likely to be ok.....I hope.

 

P.S. Sorry for the crappy typing. Typing on IPhone.
Fat fingers on tiny key pad.

 

Any additional thoughts or instruction would be appreciated.

 

A voice of reason! But you forgot to mention the ambulance chasers along with the media and clean up guys.

Asbestos was used in drywall and in drywall mud but I really doubt that drywall installed in the late 80's contains asbestos but if you are concerned wear a dust exclusion mask.

 

Don't forget to wear the mask 24-7 and everywhere you go, since many pre-1980 buildings and houses still have asbestos in them. ;-) Just kidding of course. Keep those questions coming!