Is there an Asbesto testing racket in Florida?

[Baitball Blogger]

So, watching the Property Brothers we learned that there may be asbestos in the popcorn ceiling in homes built as late as 1988. There may have been prohibitions for the material in 1978, but overstock found its way into states that had not yet regulated it. And Texas and Florida were named in the article.

Because we have a house in that year range, we decided to get the popcorn ceiling tested before we start to knock it down. We're not doing the entire house, just the small rooms as we go through minor remodeling projects, (like adding cabinets, painting, etc.) Anyway, we tried to get a kit through the mail. It's something like eight dollars for the kit, and seven to ship it. But we were stymied because they claimed they could not ship to Florida. Could NOT SHIP TO FLORIDA. Which means, that the only way to get a test is to find the few businesses in this State that will perform the test for something like $100.00 There is one nearby, but that's not the point.

Something is not right here. You should be able to get your building materials tested from a business that isn't local. Does anyone have any more information about this odd protectionist rule?

[ret5hd]

1. You got family in another state that could order the test?

[Baitball Blogger]

2. I think that's what we're going to have to do.

My hubby tried to pay with a credit card, but they said they couldn't verify the number, which I interpret it to mean that the card address (Florida) and the mailing address did not match.

He's going to find out tomorrow if there's a misunderstanding and see if they can mail it to a hardware store.

[Budgies Revenge]

3. When dealing with possible asbestos

It's usually better to get someone to do the testing who has the necessary credentials, personal protective equipment, and experience. The main problem with these self test kits is that you can potentially disturb the asbestos, which can stay in the air for a very long time afterwards and poses a much greater risk to everyone in the area. I'm not particularly familiar with the laws in Florida in regards to asbestos, but I know in some places you must use a qualified asbestos remediation specialist, industrial hygienist, or other licensed professional when dealing with the issue.

[Drahthaardogs]

4. That's an exaggeration

You only need a tiny sample to test via polarized light. If it's encapsulated by paint, it's not going to become airborne and stay for a very long time.

Yes, I am a toxicologist and started my career as an analyst for asbestos via polarized light and phase contrast microscopy. I also had my AHERA cert and ran a transmission electron microscope.

I analyzed thousands of samples back in the early nineties when Rip and skip conmen ruled the industry

Stop scaring people with woo.

[Baitball Blogger]

5. Thank you!

[Drahthaardogs]

6. In all honesty, if you think you have asbestos

Just pay the $100 and get it done right.

If you really do have it, it's going to cost you a ton to remediate it anyway. If you can't afford the test, you can't afford the remediation

The problem isn't the test kit though, it's trusting the analytical

[Baitball Blogger]

7. It's not the money.

It's a question of trust. I've seen too much funny business and good buddy protectionism around here.

[Drahthaardogs]

9. I don't trust radon kits

I probably wouldn't trust an asbestos kit either Florida may have strict regs on sampling. Some states do, thus no kits.

However, if you are not sawing, demolishing, or otherwise making it friable, I don't think I would worry about putting a screw in the wall to hang a cabinet.

The human body is not this fragile thing. It usually takes multiple exposures over time to see effects.

To that end, I would not go cutting into it or other really invasive things

[Baitball Blogger]

11. The goal is to get rid of the popcorn, so there's no way around it.

If we go out of state, we will be sure to find a reputable company.

[Drahthaardogs]

8. But you CAN paint

It's not going to hurt you. We used to use paint to encapsulate it.

I don't see how putting up a cabinet is going to disturb it either.

[Baitball Blogger]

10. Popcorn ceilngs make your house look dated.

Each room we work on, we try to give it a more contemporary look.

I actually knocked down the ceiling of an outside closet that I repainted and reshelved. So, I do want to see what the test reveals since I have already been exposed.

[Budgies Revenge]

16. wait a minute...

So, it's "woo" to suggest the exact same thing you did down thread? Sorry if you find it controversial, but I just don't think it's a good idea for anybody to start scraping on a popcorn ceiling if they suspect it of containing asbestos. Not being able to see the ceiling, I'm not prepared to make any assumptions about how friable or not the fibers might be, nor would I give an estimate about the potential exposure to respirable particulate for any occupants of the house after reading a few sentences on a forum.

While it's true the more you are exposed to asbestos, the greater your chances of developing serious complications become, it should be made clear to anyone who is even considering a DIY asbestos remediation, there is no "safe" level of exposure to asbestos.

[Drahthaardogs]

17. You said disturbing a tiny sample would stay airborne

And pose a threat. Not scraping a popcorn ceiling.


Thus, your exaggeration...


I said I would not trust the analysis of a mail in sample, and I wouldn't.

[Budgies Revenge]

18. I suppose we are not

going to see eye to eye on this--but I did not say anything about the amount that might be disturbed, only that they might disturb the (possibly present) asbestos by taking a sample. Since I have not personally evaluated the poster's particular situation, I would not want to erroneously assume or inadvertently say something that might lead them to harm, particularly if they have no experience dealing with asbestos related hazards. So, I can only recommend the most cautious and protective course of action.

I do agree that the analysis is also a concern.

[csziggy]

12. The first hit on Google for asbestos testing kits is from Home Depot

And the link says they will ship it to my local store here in Tallahassee for free.

PRO-LAB

Approved laboratory test to analyze for asbestos contamination
Provides a lab report within one week of receipt of sample
Safe and easy to use with EPA approved lab methods

$715 /each

Not in Your Store - We'll Ship It There
Your store only has 0 in stock. Please reduce your quantity or change your pickup store to check stock nearby.
We'll send it to Tallahassee for free pickup
Available for pickup
November 22 - November 28

https://www.homedepot.com/p/PRO-LAB-Asbestos-Test-Kit-AS108/202731785

Lowe's has the same kit in stock locally but for $10.98.

[Baitball Blogger]

13. That's what we're going to check on tomorrow.

We're hoping there was a misunderstanding and they can't mail directly to the homeowner, but will send it to the store.

[csziggy]

14. Good luck! While the home kits may not be as reliable

They are a cheap way to determine if there is a risk.

I grew up in a Florida house that had been resided with asbestos shingles. When the house was moved out of the mine village asbestos shingles were the big sellers at the time - solid siding that never needed to be painted and was resistant to mildew and mold. It was the vinyl siding of 1952! The stuff never seemed to get worn or damaged. I am not sure what happened to the material when the house was demolished in 2010.

[Baitball Blogger]

15. The irony is that I would pay the $100 IF it was a company outside of Florida.

That's my only requirement.

To this consumer, there's nothing that inspires confidence with Florida's construction and real estate industry. Reading over city documents I once came across a legal agreement where the city was required to allow asbestos roof shingles in the construction of a nearby development. I had so much to handle in my own community, that I passed on the information to a person who lived there. I didn't even have the time to research whether the developer went bankrupt, and thus nullified the agreement or whether they went through with it.

But, lesson learned. I do not rely on local businesses to avoid people who may be too close to the good buddy system.