While removing some material in a false ceiling, we found a slightly fibrous gray material resembling old gypsum shattering.
Oh no… No asbestos ?
A little research on the web is in order. A first good sign on this site : “asbestos was used as a construction material in the majority of buildings constructed between 1950 and 1980”. Also on this site : “Some vermiculite insulation may contain asbestos fibers. The vermiculite that caused the problems was mined during the 1920s to 1990s and was sold under the brand name Zonolite ® Attic Insulation and possibly under other brands. ”
Thus, we understand that asbestos or vermiculite were not used until 1920 in Quebec, and the construction of the house is before this period (around 1900). Knowing this, are we really at risk? But nothing removes the possibility that former owners made renovations between 1920 and 1990 and actually used asbestos.
We contacted the Environex laboratory. They recommended that for our protection we wear a 3M dust mask and gloves for sampling, as the material was friable. We then had to put the equipment in an airtight bag like Zip Loc. The analysis will be performed within 24 hours at a cost of $ 210.00 + taxes.
It seemed like a fair investment to make. So we sent a sample for analysis.
If it turns out that the shady material was actually asbestos, it says on the web not to remove the product yourself for safety. We are therefore awaiting the results .
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