We know we have asbestos in this building both in the common area and in units that have not been remodeled. There is asbestos in the acoustic ceiling spray (i.e. popcorn ceiling) in individual units and in the halls. There has also been asbestos detected in the drywall mud that was used in the building.
The board, in September 2010, had a unit in the building tested for asbestos by Envirocheck Inc. Eight sites were tested, six inside the unit and three on the outside balcony. The good news was that the outside stucco does not contain any asbestos. The results from the internal sites were varied. One acoustic ceiling site in the living room contained no asbestos. However, is not known whether that was the original acoustic ceiling spray. Two other sites showed 3% and 4% asbestos in the acoustic spray. Three drywall mud sites showed 2%, 2% and less than 1% asbestos.
What does this mean for you as a homeowner? Two important things. First, any work you do that disturbs the acoustic ceiling spray in your unit ( except painting over it ) must be done by a licensed asbestos contractor. He must employ special precautions in removing the acoustic spray so that asbestos particles are not released into the air which would be a major health hazard for anyone in the area. As you might expect, having to use a licensed asbestos contractor is expensive and can add hundreds of dollars to any remodel or remediation project.
Secondly, homeowners should keep a record of any areas or rooms in their unit that has had either the acoustic ceiling spray or the drywall mud removed. Should these areas or rooms need work in the future, you will be able to show that they are asbestos-free and therefore, do not require a special contractor or handling which will save you big bucks. Also, when you sell the unit, your buyers will be pleased to know that the unit or some of its parts, are asbestos-free.