Builder Tells Couple Told to Paint Over ACM-Containing Wallpaper

3 Oct 2022

At OHSS, we offer assistance to anyone dealing with asbestos, ensuring that everyone in the vicinity is protected from what can be a deadly substance. Today, we bring you another story that highlights that the work of asbestos abatement companies is far from over and that the measures designed to protect people aren't always followed.

On this occasion, a couple with young children was told that wallpaper possibly containing asbestos should be simply painted over by a professional builder. Despite widespread knowledge of the dangers presented by asbestos and a renovation survey that noted that the material might be present, a simple lick of paint was all that was suggested.

Asbestos Is Most Dangerous In Dust Form 

As asbestos companies will tell you, it's the inhalation of airborne asbestos particles that’s associated with the aggressive cancer that is mesothelioma. As such, it’s when it’s in dust form that presents the most danger - something that the parents were rightly worried about. 

During the 80s, there were three main types used in Ireland; crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and chrysotile (white asbestos). It was typically used in construction for the following reasons.

• Roof slates/sheets/felts

• Downpipes & gutters 

• External wall cladding 

• Internal wall panelling (of particular relevance)

• Floor coverings

• Pipe lagging 

• Wall cladding

While the recommendation action by the builder may have remained safe in the long term due to being sealed into the wall, painting over it actually presents an issue for future renovations. In any future work, the tradesperson involved may be unaware of its presence, putting everybody at risk from asbestos inhalation. 

What should have happened is an asbestos survey to determine the level of risk and the correct path to take. If asbestos removal and disposal is the right thing to do, this will then be highlighted by the survey, as it would the fact that leaving it in place might also be the correct course of action. 

The takeaway here would be that asbestos regulations are there for a reason and when asbestos surveyors raise the red flag that it might be present, it shouldn’t simply be glossed over - or painted over in this case. This kind of thing calls for an expert opinion ALWAYS, as people’s lives are very much at stake. 

Helping to Protect Ireland, One Customer at a Time

At OHSS, we can’t stress enough how important it is that you always err on the side of caution when the spectre of asbestos exposure rises. If in any doubt, you should always take the sensible action of calling us for our guidance before doing anything. Just one exposure is enough to give someone cancer later in life, so it just isn’t worth the risk.

To find out more about this or the work we do in occupational hygiene, visit us today at www.ohss.ie or call our team on 01 6905907 and we’ll give you the help you need.

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