Dangerous to remove this wallpaper?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I just bought a historic house with a few rooms that I want to remove the wallpaper. I used the Wagner steamer in one patch of each room to see how well it would work. Pretty encouraging but then I read that the wallpaper could have asbestos.. how likely is that and what precautions do I need to take? I have a hazmat suit respirator for lead dust and goggles and gloves. Is that sufficient? Do I also need to put plastic over the doors of the room to keep any debris from going out into the rest of the home? What do I do for cleanup? There are a few layers I believe in each room. Can't figure out how to put pictures here but they are in the comments

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Allison W
Original Author

4 years ago

No, all samples were negative! Still haven't removed it further

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Comments (7)

Allison W
Original Author
4 years ago
Are some photos.
N Johnson
4 years ago
I assume you’ve read this? https://www.asbestos123.com/news/identify-asbestos-in-wallpaper/. Before you go any further, you should be able to find a regional asbestos testing firm that would allow you to submit samples for analysis and verification of your assumptions. Regardless of your personal exposure (have you been quantitatively fit-tested for that respirator?) AND the exposure of others to be occupying the rooms and adjacent spaces (do you have a negative-air set up?), you will have a problem with disposal of presumed ACM (asbestos-containing material) unless you cover up and pretend it is common waste. The good news would be that it is asbestos-free making all of this unnecessary.
Allison W thanked N Johnson
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Allison W
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank you, clicking on that article I did read it before. I submitted a couple pieces of flooring to a local asbestos testing company yesterday. I wasn't sure if they would be able to check all layers of this wallpaper but I can call them and ask. No I have not been tested for the respirator nor do I have a negative air setup. We haven't moved into the home yet as far as occupying neighboring spaces but obviously don't want to contaminate it.
N Johnson
4 years ago
Yes, please get it tested first. You may be lucky since the papers were more likely vinyls in kitchen and bath. That would be wonderful. I am a CIH with a doctorate in Environmental Health. Renos can make a real mess if not done correctly. Let us know the results
Allison W thanked N Johnson
HU-464286693
4 years ago
Was it positive for asbestos?
HU-464286693
4 years ago
That's great. My home was built in 1945 and I have been surprised to find that all samples I have had tested were negative (ceiling tile, drywall, mastic from old plastic tiles).