Drywall dangers?

Clankpot

Got some 1950's 4 1/4" yellow plastic (!) tiles for my kitchen back splash, adhered with what looks like a brown mastic. I can pop these off easily in whole pieces with a putty knife. I want to do a new back splash. If I sand down the mastic to the paper am I facing a potential asbestos situation or other hazard?

nap

when you find anything that actually supports the claim of asbestos that is not from a PI insurance firm, please post it. On top of everything else, the claim is it was used in the gypsum mix so you would not run a risk of contamination if you do not breach the paper, even if there is asbestos in the drywall.


there is a report of asbestos in drywall mud though. I haven't found much about that yet.

bjbatlanta

Asbestos was used in the joint compound, texture sprays, etc. until the late 70's. There is a possibility the mastic could have asbestos in it, you'd have to have a sample tested to find out for sure....

__________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a soldier. Support our troops.

racebum

not sure about you guys but if there is even a slight risk of it being present i wear a respirator when i'm working around it

http://www.pksafety.com/asledu.html


is a cheap way to protect yourself. replacement filters are only $6 a pair and this mask accepts real cartridges so you can use activated charcoal and a whole range of gas / particle filters for painting or whatever else your heart desires

FrankL

Great suggestion and thanks for posting the link. This is cheap insurance.

Frank Lardino