Dealing with toxins
 

I am refurbing a 100 year old house.

I am concerned about the presence of lead and asbestos (are there others?).

More from a resale value standpoint.

Probably the only way to tell what is on, or in those plastered walls and popcorn coated ceilings is testing. (who does, how much $ ?)

If it is positive for them what options does one have with each?

Can you just paint over them?

Hello!! (Echo echo echo)

Bump......

Surely its not a verboten topic?

Texas, first off welcome to House Repair Talk. Secondly, I wouldn't worry to much about the presence of asbestos in your house. It usually only becomes a problem when you make it airborne, such as creating dust. What I would suggest is taking samples in for testing, there are companies that will do that for a fee. Look in the yellow pages and you should be able to find a company that does testing.

I should have explained, I am renovating this ancient house. It has a popcorn ceiling and paint layers could be 60+ years old.

I hate to say it but if you know asbestos and lead are present you may want to get a professional.