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Some plaster and lath walls are still structurally sound and completely functional after decades of use, and many older houses in the United States are constructed of plaster and lath. It is possible that older kinds of cement include asbestos fibres in the plaster mix. Plaster does not have to contain more than 1 percent asbestos to be classified as an asbestos containing material (ACM) and hence a health threat to the public health. There were 36 related questions and answers found.ĭo you know what proportion of your plaster walls contain asbestos? Unfortunately, this increased the danger of getting asbestos-related disorders, such as mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lung. When asbestos was employed in plaster, it helped to improve the insulation of buildings while also increasing their fire resistance. Why was asbestos used in the production of plaster? If you suspect that your plaster may contain asbestos, contact an asbestos management professional.
#Asbestos in plaster wall cracked
Keep an eye out for cracked or crumbling plaster.Įxamine the texture of your plaster to determine its quality.Įxamine the architectural style of your structure.
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If you do not already know the date, you should inquire with your landlord for the information. Fortunately, small flaws with lath and plaster walls may be repaired, and some can even be completed by the homeowner.Īs a result, how can I determine whether or not my plaster walls contain asbestos?Īsbestos in Plaster: What to Look for and What to Avoidįind out when your building was built by contacting the construction company. Fortunately, this is not always the case. Although asbestos was used in stucco and drywall as early as 1910, it was only employed at a lesser rate until at least the early 1980s, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.Īlso, should I use drywall to replace the lath and plaster on my walls?īecause replacing a lath and plaster wall with drywall will require a significant amount of time, money, dust, and debris, the most practical option is to replace it only when absolutely necessary. You might consider having your home tested if it was constructed or modified within that time period. In the period 1942 to 1974, the vast majority of asbestos-containing plaster products were produced. People also inquire as to when asbestos was used in the construction of plaster walls. The majority of dwellings do not have asbestos-containing plaster. When asbestos was used in walls, it was often reserved for fire-resistant walls like the ones found in elevator shafts and commercial buildings.
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