hello, I am not an inspector, but I was hoping for some honest opinions! I recently purchased a 1978 bungalo in Toronto area, Canada and tested the popcorn ceiling at a lab. Contains 0.5-5% asbestos (the actual material). I would like to have the popcorn ceiling removed in the 2 rooms affected, however am cautious w/ the asbestos. I contacted a drywall contractor thru' a reliable reference; he'll be coming by my place this week. He's not too concerned re: Asbestos. I did paint the walls first (b/c originally I was going to just leave the ceilings as is) so I plan to tape down/tarp/plastic wrap the walls/floors (I should say subflooring b/c the floors are torn out--will put in the hardwood later this month). I have been researching this topic extensively and I guess NO ONE knows the answers...but I really don't feel like paying an abator $20/square foot to "properly" remove the popcorn ceiling--I'd rather leave the ceiling in place then! My Q is: if I get the contractor to do his job w/ "sealed off" areas, then maybe after everything is removed air out the premisis and not live there for 1 week...is that "ok"... I mean I am concerned re: "lingering asbestos in the air" post removal. I'm sure I could get the air tested... But I mean, how many popcorn ceilings were removed and people didnt know it contained asbestos and lived in the "dust" for years.... thanks for the help!! Andrea
