As I was continuing the demolition to put up some drywall, I encountered some strange fluffy grey bits. I wondered to myself, half joking, "what if this is asbestos?". I have absolutely no idea what asbestos looks like, but I do know that it is a dangerous substance often found in old houses. So I googled it. Thank God for google. It WAS asbestos! I thought I was just being paranoid.
Look at it all! It's like a deranged asbestos nest. The first thing I wondered about was my health. I might have inhaled it, which is extremely lethal (eventually) and can cause the worst kind of lung cancer. I wasn't wearing a mask when I pulled off the quarter round, but I don't think I inhaled much...who knows though with invisible particles...my doctor friends told me these things become lethal over time (i.e. years of exposure) but it's still a serious concern.
I also had to alert Steph that her house is contaminated with asbestos. It's kind of like telling your friend she has herpes. I must say, it's a stigmatized household condition and it can be pretty serious; but at the same time, it is completely manageable, and a lot of people live with asbestos in their homes.
When I called, Steph was in the Peak Chair line-up at Whistler watching skiers huck Air Jordan. I don't think she was too bothered, but she offered her support. Of course we all know what she was really thinking: "Holy shit, I get to ski Peak and it's been closed for 3 days! VD is going to be waist deep!"
By the way, I'd WAY rather be dealing with asbestos than skiing (not)...my decision.
Anyway, to make a long story short, I called the asbestos removal and abatement people and they said that if it wasn't really disturbed, then just cover it up. It's not hazardous if it's not exposed. Make you feel better? Not really.
So, using protection, I covered it up...
I was scared, but I had to get the job done. Then I installed some cabinets, FINALLY!
That's it for the day. Super slow day. Maybe tomorrow will be more fruitful, but who knows!?
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