Technical > Home Improvement > What is this i found under the wallpaper in my kitchen?

What is this i found under the wallpaper in my kitchen?

It looks to me like the backing from old wall paper which wasn't entirely removed. How old is your house?

[edit] If your house was built before 1980 and there was vinyl wallpaper, then it very likely could have asbestos in it.

"It is wise to treat any pre-1980s wallpaper as though it contains asbestos"

reply to cdubb64
I'm with robbin

Does it also by any chance smell moldy and is moist?

the house was built in 1901. the kitchen is really old. If it is asbestos? what do i do now?

reply to cdubb64
Any wallpaper pre-1980 (even vinyl) should be treated as asbestos. Do not disturb it, call a professional as the fibers float in the air and lodge deep in the lungs for damage decades later.

Note: Pre-1980 vinyl is not high risk due to it is not very friable but a mask and as little exposure and a sealed disposal bag would be in order for vinyl.

reply to cdubb64
Spray it down with a spray bottle with water in it, scrape it off the wall, and bag it.

Asbestos is the new lead, everyone is so damn afraid of it. I`ve personally watered down and removed multiple garbage bags of the stuff from old steam boilers, years ago, with absolutely no problems. And no airborne particles. Hell, the stuff is so tame you could eat it wet or dry with no ill effects. Its a natural mineral.

Have you tore out any old plaster in that house? They used asbestos as a filler/binder in plaster for ages. You probably inhaled a large chunk without knowing it.

IMHO mesothelioma (sp) was only a risk for the poor people exposed to asbestos on a daily basis, before the EPA/OSHA wised up to the effects, same as lead. If you respect it, but not fear it, you`ll be fine.

-j
--
if it aint broke, tweak it!!
currently on FiOS (kick aZZ!)

Agree. While I still use precaution while messing with it, the danger has been hyped to sky high limits. We can thank lawyers for this.

reply to cdubb64
Spray it down with a spray bottle with water in it, scrape it off the wall, and bag it.

+1

reply to cdubb64
I thought this was common knowledge, but I guess not.

"Often, symptoms and lung fibrosis do not occur and are not noticed for a period of 20 years or more after the asbestos exposure."

I now suffer from tinnitus, ringing in the ears (along with Metallica's drummer), from exposure 20 years ago with loud music and noises. Now, hearing a constant 24 hours a day ringing is better than not breathing.

But, wetting it down will help, but it will spread (and stay) in the house forever. If you are 60 and live alone, go for it.

reply to cdubb64
Leave it alone and put plasterboard (not the ones from china) over it. and then paint it.
Asbestos is only harmful when in dust form.

reply to cdubb64
Suggest carefully taking a sample to a local construction lab. (They are all over - look in the yellow pages.) Ask them to test it for asbestos. It will probably cost about $100.

If it is not, you have nothing to worry about. If it is, you can conduct your own abatement, but it will not be easy. Instructions can be found on the web. Suffice to say, it involves wearing respirators and environmental suits. Sealing off the room and creating negative pressure (i.e. box fan in the window blowing out). This is going to cost money, but a lot less than having a professional abatement firm come in.

If you start hammering or screwing boards over it, you will create dust - dust that will be in your house forever.

reply to cdubb64
I'd simply assume it's asbestos. and remove it with due care.
--
And the winner is:

reply to cdubb64
You can if you feel you have to remove the Asbestos is to keep it soaking wet so spores don't float in the air.
I'd just cover over it it is not like mold that will seep through drywall or paneling.

reply to dingo

reply to cdubb64
Would advise checking with this guy:
»www.masterhandyman.com/

reply to cdru

said by cdru:

You got to be careful about those asbestos spores. They'll blow everywhere and when they settle, they will start to grow new asbestos.

reply to cdubb64
That is mold. Remove and replace the sheetrock. Don't screw around with "Sprays", just get it fixed.