Popcorn under Plaster Ceiling

11 years ago

My husband and I recently bought a house from 1956. We were installing recessed lighting when !surprise! two pieces of ceiling fell out: one smooth/drywall, one popcorn (assumed asbestos). We assume the previous owner simply covered up the asbestos/popcorn ceiling to resell the home rather than remediate it. We had been drilling in the ceiling all morning trying to line up holes and avoid joists so it was a great to find the potential for asbestos... Question: is there any way to safely continue installing the recessed lights? We only got one of eight in so far...

Featured Answer

Vith

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

You are right it probably is asbestos. It is legal to encapsulate it. However, during manipulation, seal off the room with plastic and wear P100 respirators. Re-cover up where the newer parts fell and use a HEPA filter on your shop vac when cutting the holes for the cans. Before installing the cans, caulk the cut edge so that it is sealed. Clean up room well.

Honestly we are all exposed to abestos here and there. People that got cancer worked with it daily, usually floor installers (felt backed vinyl and VAT), drywallers (sanding mud), and factory workers (exposure during production). Your exposure during renovation with proper PPE will be close to nil.

If you are worried and want it removed, test it first, then hire someone. It is not legal to remove it yourself, its such a pain to remove anyhow and the waste is regulated also. They will come in and be done with it quickly.

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Comments (10)

bossyvossy
11 years ago
How do you know popcorn is asbestos? It is usually styrofoam pellets in the mix.
becky18348
Original Author
11 years ago
Based on the age of the house, and the fact that it was covered up, I'm assuming it is asbestos.
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bossyvossy
11 years ago
You may be right. Wondering if it was safe and legal to just cover it up. If yes, you can prob cover yourselves well and carry on with work. Danger is in continued exposure, no? Doing lights for a couple of days (with protective gear) would not be continued exposure. Another consideration: whether you have health issues or kids.

If not legal to have disguised, you may have recourse against seller but if you want to get on w/ remodeling, the safest thing would be to contact contractor working with asbestos when doing lighting work and related cleanup, emphasis on cleanup
greg_2015
11 years ago
First step is to determine if it actually is asbestos. Send a sample in for testing then proceed accordingly when you get the results. I think there are also DIY test kits available.
tim45z10
11 years ago
Tape a bag on the ceiling with your cutting tool inside.
Debbie Downer
11 years ago
Our state has asbestos testing for $20 -well worth it! For that price, why worry unless you have to? They may have covered it just because popcorn ceilings are considered ugly now. Why they ever were considered an improvement is beyond me.
rwiegand
11 years ago
The downside of testing is that you then have to disclose a positive result forever after. Perhaps better to just take the appropriate precautions, treat it as if it is asbestos, and don't ask the question for which you don't want the answer. As noted, there is no significant danger once it's encapsulated.
bossyvossy
11 years ago
@rwiegand. Don't ask don't tell not good advice. How would you like it if a house seller pulled that on you? That is why OP is in a pickle right now.

@OP. Research if ur house is safe regardless of lighting issues. Fix and enjoy safely. If you have resources time and stomach, can go after seller afterwards. Good luck and prob best you found out now than 10 yrs after, getting sick and not knowing why.
Vith
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Bossy, as far as asbestos or lead paint, all home inspectors will look at the age of the home and recommend testing for asbestos and paint. Again, it is legal to cover it up. In fact, the EPA recommends this instead of messing with it. So there would be no point going after the seller anyhow. As far as selling of a home, dont ask dont tell is better in this case... having to disclaim that there is any form of asbestos, even though it is encapsulated and not a threat, will turn buyers away instantly.
becky18348 thanked Vith