Asbestos in my 1983 Monitor (Alumilite) TT
Hi guys, I purchased a 1983 Monitor or Alumilite TT about a month ago. I have been doing some work on it and finally got around to repairing a section of the bathroom ceiling that had been previously...
Forum Discussion
A lot of misinformation in this thread, I'm afraid. Fortunately, Oaklevel gave you the most correct information.
Some misconceptions:
asbestos is only hazardous if you inhale it. This is incorrect. Mesothelioma can occur in the abdominal lining after ingesting it by mouth.
asbestos is banned in the US. Nothing is further from the truth. The EPA has attempted to have asbestos banned on more than one occasion, however, it has been overturned every time.
a paper dust mask is sufficient protection - way wrong. most paper dust masks aren't even effective against household dust. Asbestos protection requires a P100 equipped half mask respirator at a minimum.
Testing is expensive - once upon a time, that was true, however, most labs charge about $6.50 per sample these days.
transite or asbestos fiber sheet goods is very brittle and doesn't fit the application - No, it is not brittle. It can be very flexible, in fact. Linoleum containing asbestos fibers is very flexible. As is felt material. Ever see the big stage curtains when you were in high school? Those big ol' heavy soft curtains contain up to 23% chrysotile. One reason you might find asbestos containing material in a camper or mobile home is to slow the burn rate to allow occupants a better opportunity to escape in the event of a fire.
There are federal laws governing asbestos containing building material and how it can be abated. There are also state laws that vary widely.
I would think that any panels in the roof of a bathroom environment would be constructed of water resistant materials. Cellulose based board will absorb and hold water quite well. Is there some kind of "plastic" coating bonded to the outside of this material?
To reiterate - the ONLY way to know whether you have asbestos containing material is to take a sample to a certified lab. It doesn't have to be a large sample, but it does need to include all layers. A piece about 1/4 the size of your fingernail is more than enough.
BTW, my job includes inspecting asbestos inspectors, abatement contractors, project designers, management planners, and laboratories throughout my state.
Some misconceptions:
asbestos is only hazardous if you inhale it. This is incorrect. Mesothelioma can occur in the abdominal lining after ingesting it by mouth.
asbestos is banned in the US. Nothing is further from the truth. The EPA has attempted to have asbestos banned on more than one occasion, however, it has been overturned every time.
a paper dust mask is sufficient protection - way wrong. most paper dust masks aren't even effective against household dust. Asbestos protection requires a P100 equipped half mask respirator at a minimum.
Testing is expensive - once upon a time, that was true, however, most labs charge about $6.50 per sample these days.
transite or asbestos fiber sheet goods is very brittle and doesn't fit the application - No, it is not brittle. It can be very flexible, in fact. Linoleum containing asbestos fibers is very flexible. As is felt material. Ever see the big stage curtains when you were in high school? Those big ol' heavy soft curtains contain up to 23% chrysotile. One reason you might find asbestos containing material in a camper or mobile home is to slow the burn rate to allow occupants a better opportunity to escape in the event of a fire.
There are federal laws governing asbestos containing building material and how it can be abated. There are also state laws that vary widely.
I would think that any panels in the roof of a bathroom environment would be constructed of water resistant materials. Cellulose based board will absorb and hold water quite well. Is there some kind of "plastic" coating bonded to the outside of this material?
To reiterate - the ONLY way to know whether you have asbestos containing material is to take a sample to a certified lab. It doesn't have to be a large sample, but it does need to include all layers. A piece about 1/4 the size of your fingernail is more than enough.
BTW, my job includes inspecting asbestos inspectors, abatement contractors, project designers, management planners, and laboratories throughout my state.
