Almost 7 years ago, we installed an FTX unit in the attic of our 1960s house. The craftsman said they removed a ventilation pipe that contained asbestos but that it was no problem for them to dispose of it at the dump.
As we are now considering converting the attic, we have been up there a bit more often (previously only to change filters twice a year), and I observe that there are construction debris and dust. Probably not from the asbestos pipe itself, but from the mortar the pipe was attached to, which I understand often also contains asbestos. (See picture of a pipe that remains)
My question now is how dangerous is this??? It's not really possible to vacuum and wet wipe since the surfaces largely consist of loose insulation on the floor.
And what responsibility does the craftsman have for this? Shouldn't they have informed us before they started demolishing? Can you get compensation from the insurance company for remediation? Take samples of the debris?
Grateful for answers!
As we are now considering converting the attic, we have been up there a bit more often (previously only to change filters twice a year), and I observe that there are construction debris and dust. Probably not from the asbestos pipe itself, but from the mortar the pipe was attached to, which I understand often also contains asbestos. (See picture of a pipe that remains)
My question now is how dangerous is this??? It's not really possible to vacuum and wet wipe since the surfaces largely consist of loose insulation on the floor.
And what responsibility does the craftsman have for this? Shouldn't they have informed us before they started demolishing? Can you get compensation from the insurance company for remediation? Take samples of the debris?
Grateful for answers!
Be calm! Wherever you are on the globe, you inhale about 5000 asbestos fibers per day!
There are low levels of asbestos in the ambient air.
10-200 fibres in every cubic metre (1000L) = 0.01-0.2 f/L
A cubic metre is the amount of air typically breathed by a person every hour.."
In average all persons breathe in around 5000 asbestos fibers per day. This means that in average, all living persons will roughly have had ~40 million asbestos fibers lodged in the lungs during an average lifetime, and still the risk to get sick from this "normal" exposure is extremely low.
https://www.byggahus.se/forum/threads/asbest-fakta-om-verkliga-risker.249301/
There are low levels of asbestos in the ambient air.
10-200 fibres in every cubic metre (1000L) = 0.01-0.2 f/L
A cubic metre is the amount of air typically breathed by a person every hour.."
In average all persons breathe in around 5000 asbestos fibers per day. This means that in average, all living persons will roughly have had ~40 million asbestos fibers lodged in the lungs during an average lifetime, and still the risk to get sick from this "normal" exposure is extremely low.
https://www.byggahus.se/forum/threads/asbest-fakta-om-verkliga-risker.249301/
If you're worried, buy a Sundström mask with a P3 filter while working on the attic. Once you're finished, any potential asbestos fibers have likely disappeared or been integrated into the insulation. You can then vacuum with the right filter (available for rent). That's how I approach it while working on the attic, where there's more than just asbestos dust to protect against.
I've also read that eternite channels don't contain a lot of asbestos either. As long as they didn't cut the channel with an angle grinder and only lifted it out, probably no significant amounts have been released.
I've also read that eternite channels don't contain a lot of asbestos either. As long as they didn't cut the channel with an angle grinder and only lifted it out, probably no significant amounts have been released.
I would have been more worried about all the times I've been near cars.
But I suspect that any asbestos fibers are in the insulation along with regular dust and perhaps some other bits and bobs. Just leave it be. If you need to be there and tear it down, you can use a good face mask if you're concerned.
But I suspect that any asbestos fibers are in the insulation along with regular dust and perhaps some other bits and bobs. Just leave it be. If you need to be there and tear it down, you can use a good face mask if you're concerned.
Member
· Västra Götaland
· 3 295 posts
Sweden is going to perish.
It is not certain that there is any asbestos among the construction waste/dust.
Regardless, you should have a respirator with a decent filter when you are in the attic working.
There are various particles swirling in the air that are not particularly healthy to inhale.
Regardless, you should have a respirator with a decent filter when you are in the attic working.
There are various particles swirling in the air that are not particularly healthy to inhale.
Near cars??Bananskalare said:
It's been many years since asbestos disappeared from brake pads if that's what you're suggesting...
You should wear a mask when working in the space, but not due to risk of asbestos, rather for "general dust."
Old ventilation pipes made of eternit contain what I have been informed by the profession about 10% asbestos, max. They are also removed whole in 99% of cases. So minimal risk of exposure.
Old ventilation pipes made of eternit contain what I have been informed by the profession about 10% asbestos, max. They are also removed whole in 99% of cases. So minimal risk of exposure.
Member
· Västra Götaland
· 3 295 posts
Because you don't immediately think about "holding responsibility" and compensation from insurance companies when, as a homeowner, you find a bit of 7-year-old cement mortar and construction dust in the attic.C CoNaana said:Why heckle when the OP is asking simple questions?
Typical of this forum unfortunately
You take a small brush, sweep it up, and throw it away.
Agree with people who write that one should wear a mask, but not primarily for asbestos, rather to protect your lungs from all kinds of dust. It's easy to focus only on asbestos and forget everything else. "Regular construction dust" is also bad for the lungs to breathe in the long run.
So put on a mask when you're building with anything that causes dust, and you'll have done better than what many do.
So put on a mask when you're building with anything that causes dust, and you'll have done better than what many do.
Well, there are things that are more dangerous than asbestos when it comes to cars. No, I wasn't thinking about asbestos and brakes on cars, funny that you thought of that.Nissens said:
No, it's typical of questions about asbestos.C CoNaana said:Why heckle when OP asks simple questions?
Typical of this forum unfortunately
But questions about asbestos often become patronizing.
So, what is it that is so dangerous about being near cars that's linked to asbestos?