asbestos in my walls??

[imported_pabs]

Hi there..

I just found out I may very well have asbestos in my walls.
from what I understand, in the old days, they would add asbestos to the plaster mix.
I have an older home (1920's in Atlantic Canada)

If I indeed have asbestos in those walls, what is the danger to myself when working with this.??
I've been here for over a year and have made my fair share of holes inthe wall to put new electrical boxes, fix holes..ect.

Am I supppose to call an asbestos expert everytime I need to make a hole in one of my walls??? sounds crazy but I don't really know the levels that were used so it's hard to know the side effects...I mean, I like to renovate...but if it's gonna kill me!! no thanks!

any information would be appreciated

thanks

Pabs

[Anonymous]

abestos is dangerous when the fibers become air borne. If you plan on removing the abestos - dampening it to keep the dust down is the best way. however you will hve to deposit it in bags clearly marked hazardous waste and then it needs to disposed of in a hazardous waste landfill. You will also need disposable coveralls and proper personal protection equiptment(resipartor etc).

I read an article recently that stated there is not one documented case in the United States of death due to Asbestos poisioning. The deaths are considered respitory failure. Sounds like the Federal Government came up with that one. Probably the same guys who said Agent Orange was OK.

[imported_pabs]

in terms of protective clothing..
respirator and coveralls? is that enough?

what I find strange is that in all the reno shows on TV not once have I ever heard of the danger of asbestos when tearing down a wall or knocking a hole in a wall...
I've sen my fair share of shos where the remodel old home and all the worker is wearing is a simple paper mask an some goggles!

are the leves of asbestos used in plaster so small that they don't consider it a threat or are they just being careless??

and..if I'm tearing out a small piece of wall out..what's the best way to keep it damp and prevent dust from flying around?
and clean up should also be done with a damp cloth I assume to keep the dust from flying around??


thanks
Pabs