Is there a safe way to remove asbestos laden popcorn ceiling yourself?

Answer 1

Probably a few, but I wouldn't do it or advise it.

Asbestos in a general sense was pulled in 1975, but that doesn't mean it was discontinued in supplies on hand, bu every contractor or vendor.

Beyond the legal ramifications still in existance for aesbestos, the safety issues in removal are valid. Sad that POPCORN was ever used to begin with, but certainly some connection with your local agencies governing this, and code enforcement, might be worth the effort.

People who do the removal wear more than just a paper dust mask, and for very good reasons. Aesbestos is an INVASIVE substance, and attaches to, and attacks the membranes in the lungs.

Oddly enough there are no laws regulating COVERING it.

One might be advised that it's perfectly OK, to PAINT OVER any asbestos, in any form on a house; but I know of buildings loaded with it, that will likely sit until the next millenium because of the toxic factors involved.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

No, not a safe way. This is really a job for people who are trained in their jobs. Asbestos is highly dangerous to your lungs and can cause long-term lung problems. Just removing it is not the problem....you don't want the dust to get all over your house. A pro will make sure that doesn't happen. A professional company will also have the liscences and permits for disposal of the asbestos they remove that you as an individual will not have....which will be a problem for you in the end.

Spend the money and hire a company that knows what they are doing.....PLEASE!!

Answer 3

The best way to "make it go away" is to install new drywall over it and pretend like it was never there. It will be encased under the new drywall and not pose a hazard to you or your family. As soon as you begin to disturb that popcorn you will have it all over your home and you will never be able to get it out. Many companies remove that stuff and some are of a resonable cost, but the drywall under it may also contain asbestos and you still have it in you home. Cover it up and "make it go away".

Answer 4

depending on how much area needs removed, its probably time to hire a professional
asbestos should be bagged and disposed of properly

the ceiling should be wet (use a spray bottle or hudson sprayer) as you scrape an area to eliminate asbestos fibers from becoming airborn
all scrapings should be bagged and sealed
use a high quality dust mask if you wish to do this yourself

Answer 5

Simply put, NO.

In the USA, the EPA states that the removal and disposal of Asbestos material is to be done ONLY by certified professionals. http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ashome.html#4

IF not in the USA, here is a link with procedures:http://www.safetyculture.com.au/procedures/Asbestos_Removal_Procedure.php

Good Luck

Answer 6

It's extremely risky. It's a highly carcinogenic substance. A safe way to do it would require special equipment and protective gear you'd need to pay top dollar for anyway, and you'd be stuck with after. It's probably more cost efficient to hire professionals to do it.

DIY might seem cheap, but if asbestosis or lung cancer develop in a time in your life/career in which you have no health insurance, you'll have to declare bankruptcy in the mist of terminal illness. How do you put a price on that?

Answer 7

no, asbestos has to be removed by a company licensed by the EPA,the whole room has to be sealed off and they use plastic uniforms and oxygen masks,you can be fined $10,000 and go to jail for one year,if its your house hire the pros,if you are renting its the landlords responsibility.

Answer 8

This is a job for the pros!!! they wrap the entire house in a plastic skirt. They have "Clean" rooms they change in. It is a very organized and well planned process!!

that is no job for DIY'ers!! Way to environmentally dangerous!!

Answer 9

no