asbestos in 1975 bendix meteor

[kah]

We're in Los Angeles and purchased a 75" MH in Oct. 2010 and did renovation work. We have a "belly space" return air system and we're concerned about air pulling through fiberglass insulation. So now we are having a new return air duct system installed to bypass the subfloor belly system. I learned that many old mh had asbestos in the building materials, ie flooring linoleum, weatherboard, insulation. I have a 4 yr.old daughter and an asthmatic husb. I am concerned we liberated asbestos in the reno process before we moved in (Jan).The Bendix corp. doesn't exist so how can I find out what toxins (if any) are in my home. We already threw away all the demo materials removed from home. Thanks for any advice!!!

[David Oxhandler]

I have worked on hundreds of manufactured homes over the past 30 years and have never run into any asbestos. I can not say that it was never included any in MH assembly, because asbestos was used in a variety of building products like spray coatings for ceilings from 1935-1978.

Asbestos can cause serious health problems, so if you have any doubt,have a sample tested by an NVLAP approved testing center. Without a sample of whatever it is you suspect it will not be possible for anyone to give you a definitive answer.

If your sample tests positive for asbestos, experts recommend you do not try to remove it yourself. Either have it removed professionally or it can be sealed with the proper paint so that it can not get into the air.

[kah]

do you know of any associations or mobile home groups that maintain lists of mobile home manufacturers and models and information on which companies/model years that may have used asbestos containing materials. Would insurance companies or lenders even cover 70's mobile homes that have asbestos?

[carolseymour]

How can I block out mold and mildew that is inside walls of a 1977 mobile home.