Hello, This is the condition of my bathroom (4 1/2 ft X 7 ft) ceiling. I hadn't known it was this bad. House was built in late 1960's. A lot of things in this house weren't done right when it was built so I kinda figure I need to find out whether this is tainted with abestos! I keep finding all kind of things as I prepare to move out and put this little house up for rent! Where is the site to answer all about asbestos? All of my ceilings are popcorn. I'm sure all houses in my neighbor hood have the same. I've never seen any asbestos abatement crews at work on any houses here. Houses continue to be sold so I'm guessing there's no real problem. Just keep the ceilings covered with paint and you should be good. I guess. bamakodaker

 

Well, it should be tested. Plenty of labs and companies can do that. If you are going to rent it, you don't want to be liable for something you just admitted you have a suspicion about. The test is pretty cheap.

 

The rule is that if you presume something may contain asbestos then it DOES contain asbestos until proven otherwise. Since "popcorn" ceiling texture of that era often did contain minute amounts of asbestos you have to act as if the material DOES contain asbestos until a laboratory test proves it does not.

Many areas have what is known as a disclosure form (form 17 in my area) where a seller must disclose any and all known defects in the house/property. "I don't know" is often an acceptable answer to many of the questions BUT since you have expressed an opinion that the ceiling material MAY contain asbestos you have to state that (under penalty of perjury) on the form. It is a cheap cop-out but had you never considered the matter you could have honestly answered with the "I don't know" but not anymore.

The mere fact that other homes in your area have not had asbestos abatement is irrelevant.

 

Residential popcorn texture of that era may or may not contain asbestos, the only way to know for sure is to test it! Since asbestos is only harmful in a dust or airborne state, removal isn't all that bad provided you wet it down and scrape it while wet. Depending on local regs you might be able to diy the removal. Some areas are stricter than others, the disposal might be highly regulated or nonexistent.

Again, have it tested first!!

 

Protect Your Family | Asbestos | US EPA

Above is a link to an EPA web page. It has some valuable info and links. You can find a Testing Professional in your area. I would at least test the material so you know what you're dealing with.

Edit: Since you plan to rent, I would also have the home checked for Lead-Based Paint.

 

What? There are several coats of paint on top of the old paint. Shouldn't that take care of it?

Thank you for your time.
bamakodaker

 

Paint can encapsulate both asbestos and lead based coatings BUT the regs concerning lead based paint is stricter when it comes to rental property. I don't remember the specs when it comes to lead and rentals [and probably changes from one local to another] but it is something you need to check on!