Asbestos Removal

[Giannine]

Hi everyone! It’s been awhile, I know! I just found out our rental has asbestos in the floor after a refrigerator leak and am concerned about the birds’ health. It will be removed and my birds are in my bedroom now but is it dangerous for them to be here?

[Greytness]

I'd be concerned, too. Do you have air purifiers? That might help in the interim.

Have  you tried calling your avian vet's office to see what their spin is on this type of exposure?

[Timbersmom]

I'm no expert on this but many years ago I worked for a school district. There is a lot of asbestos in the old buildings. The key was always whether the asbestos was "friable" (I think that was the term). If it was painted over or contained in a sealed product, it was considered safe as no particles were entering the air. If it wasn't completely covered or contained it was friable and could be air born. I'm not sure this helps, but thought I'd volunteer what I know. Another example... we have a very old boiler in our house which has an asbestos covering. The asbestos is covered by another cover. According to the heating people, it is no problem as is. If we ever need to remove it, that's another story.

[Giannine]

I didn't receive notification of these responses so I am just now seeing them. They completely sealed off the room (bird were in my bedroom with the door shut), had negative air going, and wet the floor down really well before tearing up the old vinyl to prevent it from going airborne.

[Acappella]

Sounds like they did the remediation the right way.  You and the birds will be fine.