Yesterday's job revealed suspect asbestos under vinyl. Now I'm torn on ethics.

I was tearing out old vinyl in a 1970s kitchen and found black adhesive that looks like cutback with asbestos. The homeowner wants to skip testing to save cash, but I'm concerned about our health and legal risks. Part of me says it's their call, but another part feels responsible for safety. What would you guys do in this spot?

3 comments

3 Comments

betty_coleman1d ago

Back in '99, I almost called a hazmat team for some questionable tile adhesive that turned out to be just old mastic. In my experience, skipping testing is like playing Russian roulette with your lungs and your license. The homeowner might save cash now, but if anyone gets sick down the line, that's on you. I'd insist on a test, even if it means eating the cost myself to sleep at night.

nguyen.elizabeth1d ago

Your '99 story makes me wonder, how often do you actually end up covering that test cost yourself? Do clients ever fight you on it, or do they usually fold when you explain the liability?

laurak8318h ago

Honestly, Betty's totally right. I covered a mold test myself just last month when the client kept arguing about the price. Explained how one bad call could wreck their whole renovation and my rep. They grumbled for a bit but finally caved when I showed them pics of a past job gone wrong.