what's the best way to clean up asbestos?
A cloud of asbestos dust covered my suit cases, clothes, movies, computers, some books and stuff. Can I wipe the possibly contaminated dust off with a damp rag and avoid inhaling any more of these particles in the future? What’s the best way to clean it off my stuff?
I had to fix some things in my Grandmas house, which was built in 1954. I took out the heater and cut out dry wall to replace some ceiling tiles. When I ripped them out I’m not a hundred percent I didn’t just eat a face full of asbestos insulation and a pretty thick layer of dirt just covered everything in the living room. I’m not sure, but I’d wager there is a good chance the tiles and insulation are made from the cheapest materials available in 1954, which is probably asbestos. I know the outside paneling is made out of asbestos, I did have to drill through it in a couple places, but I held my breath. I may die from mesothilioma, but at least grandma can sell her house.
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One comment
badhabyt on June 14, 2010 at 12:35 pm
You should have had the material tested. Your grandma may have to before she can sell. One thing in your favor. Asbestos material was not the cheapest material in 1954, it was actually some of the most expensive. You actually find it more in mansions, than everyday houses. The exceptions are outside siding and linoleum. But for walls, wallpaper, and ceilings, it is the better houses.
As to cleaning, there is nothing that will allow you to totally avoid exposure. Damp wiping is the best you can do, short of hiring someone to do it professionally (licensed contractor). Make sure you use a shop vac with a HEPA filter, not a vacuum cleaner.
I doubt that the majority of the material you encountered was asbestos but only testing will tell. However, if you test now, your grandma would have to disclose the tests. If an oil heater, the likely place was the chimney connection mud. Drywall and ceiling tiles are not likely to be. If the drywall had joint compound, that may be contaminated, less likely in a home than a business.
Of course, the heater itself may have had an asbestos jacket.