Q&A: Cutting into sheetrock which might contain asbestos?
Question by susie: Cutting into sheetrock which might contain asbestos?
Our house was built in 1939 and has plaster walls and ceilings. While a friend was cutting through the ceiling in order to install can lights, it dawned on him that the sheetrock behind the plaster may contain asbestos–it is sheetrock covered with brown paper on both sides.
Is there a sure way to tell if the sheetrock does contain asbestos without paying for testing?
How safe is it to cut into the sheetrock if it does contain asbestos? We’re only installing 8 more can lights.
I’ve done research and know that asbestos is harmful, but I don’t know how much I have to fear being exposed in minimal and temporary doses like this.
Best answer:
Answer by Allison1888
I’ve had several houses with plaster and have not encountered sheetrock behind the plaster. Do you have any contractor friends who can just stop by to take a look at it? You don’t want to breath in asbestos, that’s for sure, so find someone who can look at it to tell. Here’s some research that might help. Links at the end.
http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/vermiculite-and-asbestos.shtml
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First, “Sheetrock” is a BRAND NAME for a Gypsum based drywall board. Gypsum is a type of rock mined in order to manufacture drywall board, and some other products.
To my knowledge, no Gypsum drywall contains any significant amount of Asbestos.
Second, the Asbestos scare has been blown way out of proportion. All of the warnings about health hazards ONLY APPLIES to people who work in industries where they are exposed to large amounts of Asbestos dust for hours daily, day in and day out.
Short term, low level exposure is not harmful. Use a dust mask, carefully collect any dust or filings created, seal in a plastic trash bag and dispose of it in your ordinary household garbage.
When finished and cleaned up change out of your dusty clothes, take the used/exposed clothes outside, and shake the dust out, and then launder as usual.
As long as the sheetrock is not disturbed and is in good shape, this sheetrock is not dangerous, even if it does contain asbestos. Sadly, by disturbing the sheetrock by drilling, you may have allowed the fibers loose. Removal and disposal needs to be done by a licensed professional. Here’s more info from the EPA:
http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/ashome.html#4
For your own peace of mind, I would suggest buying a testing kit like this one:
http://www.testcountry.com/products.html?product=1205
And be really, really nice to your friend for being so smart! Please do not try to dispose of this stuff yourself. There are laws regulating proper removal and disposal of this.
Good luck.
Our house was built in 1890 and we have not encountered any sheet rock under any of the plaster walls or ceilings. I am thinking someone redid this well before your purchase. To be on the safe side wear your hats, safety glasses and masks.
Sheetrock (Gym-sum board) does not nor ever has contained asbestos
If you think there is asbestos in your house then you should not be living in there…get it checked by a professional immediately and do not cut anything!!!! This could mean life or death to all in there.