Would a home built in 1984 have asbestos in the popcorn texture? just sanded the ceiling off a bathroom?

Question

On saturday we just finished sanding off the top of the popcorn texture back to the joint compound level. The old popcorn was faded and needed replaced. This is a home built in 1984. I recently sprayed another bathroom in this house about a year ago but didn't remove it and noticed it didn't cover as well. So in the guest bathroom we wanted to start fresh so we took a screen sander and just removed the popcorn to the mud level. Now I read about asbestos popcorn...Do you think this is contained in this? is there a way to tell with popcorn that has it and doesn't? when was it banned?

thanks

Answer 1

"WALLS AND CEILINGS: Homes older than 30 years old may have walls or ceilings containing Asbestos.  Call a licensed Asbestos removal contractor before beginning any renovation project where the suspected materials may become disturbed."

However, many other sources recommend having it checked anyway.  

A professional will wet it down first so that there are not as many airborn particles (along with other things).  If it is not asbestos, it is still easier to remove by slightly wetting it first.

Answer 2

The EPA banned/ ordered phased out the use of asbestos in 1989, but that was overturned in a court case.

You could try to find the contractor that did the work. They may have records on which materials the company was using. There's no other way to tell if your ceiling contains asbestos without laboratory testing.

Check your yellow pages for "Asbestos- Testing/ Abatement"

They'll give you directions on taking a sample and having it tested (for a fee).

Answer 3

I suggest err on the side of "if in doubt....leave it alone!" In Australia our major asbestos manufacturer has just been found out to have lied to us. James Hardie have been manufacturing asbestos under many different names, and recently had to pay out a huge compensation cost.

James Hardie went to USA to con you all into the same trick. Do some research and you might find it was made by them!

   If in doubt never do any DIY to any walls etc. Better to get a professional in than have your life taken.

Answer 4

Not likely. Asbestos was phased out in the mid 1970's.

Answer 5

yes!!