Well, for years, asbestos was used in practically all public buildings as a fire retardant. Any old buildings with asbestos are generally allowed to leave it in place. You must have a license to remove products that contain asbestos.
Since you mention that the pipe was labeled as containing asbestos... then I would think that the ceiling probably did not. Someone took the trouble of labeling the pipe specifically.
Quite often, people confuse the old popcorn texture with products containing asbestos.... when in fact it had some fiberglass in it.
If you have a sample of the old ceiling, send it to your local Health department, and they can send it off for testing.
If that is not available, then some research on the buildings blueprints is in order... you should be able to discover what was originally spec'd for the project. Maintenance logs would also be helpful.
Asbestos itself is only harmful if you breathe in the dust....a form of lung cancer can be found if the asbestos fibers lodge in your lungs. Asbestos does not "decompose" the way other products do...so, once it's in your lungs, its there to stay. Coming in contact with it, with your hands, or skin, is not considered harmful, only getting it in your lungs. I said all of that to say this... if you knew the ceiling was 'crumbly', hopefully, you wore a dust mask.
I also believe you can see your physician, and have some tests run, if you fear you have been exposed to asbestos... can't hurt to ask, and it might bring you some peace of mind.
Good Luck
|
Linear Mode
