Popcorn ceilings + asbestos - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Ducay · 08-20-2009, 11:39 AM

Anyone know when asbestos was banned for use in Canadian homes?

GoinAllTheWay · 08-20-2009, 11:40 AM

80's I think? Wasn't terribly long ago.

LChoy · 08-20-2009, 11:47 AM

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/mah...inaiqu_001.cfm

Technically, it was never banned, just that it's use was severly reduced.

Quote:

How has the use of asbestos changed?

When it became evident that regular exposure to asbestos on the job involved health risks, the public became more concerned about exposure to asbestos in offices and schools, and, eventually, about all asbestos products.
This concern has led to a dramatic decline in asbestos use since the early 1980s. The use of asbestos insulation in buildings and heating systems has virtually disappeared. Residential use, for roofing, flooring and appliances, continues to decrease.
While alternative products are being developed to replace asbestos, products sold today containing asbestos are regulated under the Hazardous Products Act. Asbestos can be used safely, and public concern has led to improved product design and manufacture. Asbestos is now better encapsulated and sealed to reduce the escape of fibres.
Asbestos is valuable in many applications because it has been difficult to find comparable substitute materials. For example, it is still an important component of brake lining and clutch facings.

To add, Canada is one of the world's largest exporters of Asbestos

Ducay · 08-20-2009, 11:51 AM

Ya, well I'm trying to figure out if taking down the popcorn on a 1979 house is a death wish or not.

LChoy · 08-20-2009, 12:02 PM

My gf works for the lung association, so I asked her

Quote:

I would tell them that most likely they don't have to get the asbestos removed unless the material itself is in really bad shape.
The best thing to do is not to disturb the fibres as once they're disturbed, microscopic fibres become airborne and thats when it gets inhaled by people damaging lungs.
However, if they want someone to come check and see if it should really be removed, they should call the CMHC

In response to the guy about 'taking down the popcorn', it could be a death wish, highly likely lol
so don't disturb it

Ducay · 08-20-2009, 12:07 PM

Ya, I wouldn't take it down if it did have asbestos.....I'm trying to figure out if it does.

So if no one knows, does anyone know where I can get an asbestos testing kit (where you send it off to get tested)

RyZ · 08-20-2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducay

Ya, well I'm trying to figure out if taking down the popcorn on a 1979 house is a death wish or not.

I've taken down a few ceilings that had asbestos in them in the past year and it is not so bad. I did, however, have a guy that had been through courses in asbestos safety with me at all the jobs.

What we did was simply poly off the whole room. Walls, flooring, windows and especially vents. Then we suited up in respirators and sealing safety eyewear and went to town. You just have to stay very clean and be very careful. You will likely want to wash down the walls and use a vacuum with a hepa filter if you were working over carpet during the final clean up, just in case. Oh, and take a good hot shower as soon as you can when you are done.

I know there are rules on where you can dump the stuff. I believe you can get a permit through the city to dump it in a section of the city dumps. I never saw the debris after it left the site.

LChoy · 08-20-2009, 12:30 PM

Contact the CMHC, they have people that come and inspect houses to check for asbestos if you are not sure. There are testing kits available but they are usually ordered in.
The lung association usually refers people to the CMHC
Sorry if I misinterpreted your question, was just trying to help

Ducay · 08-20-2009, 01:26 PM

Ya, really I just want to know if anyone knows of a testing lab here in town

KTrain · 08-20-2009, 01:35 PM

When I sold my house last year the inspector found minute traces of asbestos in the insulation (of course my inspector didn't when I bought the place 2 years prior). The report was then given to the buyer and they asked us to remove it before they moved in.

It took about 4-5 days to remove and replace the insulation from the attic of an 800 square foot roof. That includes all the prep like RyZ said. I wouldn't mess with it if you don't have to.

That house was fully gotted/renovated in 1996 so I was surprised to find it there.

Agat labs did the testing. It took a few days to get the results.

Ducay · 08-20-2009, 01:52 PM

Ah yes, AGAT labs, I should have remembered them from their ads at the 'dome.

Remember how much the test was KTrain?

KTrain · 08-20-2009, 01:59 PM

The buyer had to pay for it so I can't remember precisely.

I believe it was $200 - $300. It was a little more because we wanted a quick turn-around time.

DuffMan · 08-20-2009, 02:09 PM

Isn't asbestos only in that stuff that looks like vermiculite.
What kind of insulation is in your attic now?

KTrain · 08-20-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuffMan

Isn't asbestos only in that stuff that looks like vermiculite.
What kind of insulation is in your attic now?

Yup, it was vermiculite. The brand was Zonolite.

I'm not sure what they put back in there as the new owners took possession of the house about an hour after the removal company packed up their stuff. I really didn't care to look.

Ducay · 08-20-2009, 02:22 PM

They ought to call it "AIDSbestos"

Anyone know of another lab? Theres one in Edmonton, but I like Calgary better

DuffMan · 08-20-2009, 02:34 PM

I think there was a class action lawsuit against Zonolite, just recently.

edit
http://www.merchantlaw.com/zonolite.html

double edit

better hurry if you want in on the action

In order to apply for compensation, you must submit a Proof of Claim Form no later than August 31, 2009. You can download the CDN ZAI PD Proof of Claim Form from that website, which you would need to fill out, sign and return by mail to:

KTrain · 08-20-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuffMan

I think there was a class action lawsuit against Zonolite, just recently.

edit
http://www.merchantlaw.com/zonolite.html

double edit

better hurry if you want in on the action

In order to apply for compensation, you must submit a Proof of Claim Form no later than August 31, 2009. You can download the CDN ZAI PD Proof of Claim Form from that website, which you would need to fill out, sign and return by mail to:

Thanks! I'll be sending this form in for sure. It was around $10,000 to get it removed.

DuffMan · 08-20-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTrain

Thanks! I'll be sending this form in for sure. It was around $10,000 to get it removed.

Good luck,then.

This was a timely thread eh?

KTrain · 08-20-2009, 02:49 PM

Duffman saves the day once again.

I-Hate-Hulse · 08-20-2009, 04:32 PM

Sounds like something for the Home Reno Credit too...