That’s a lot of money. And all because she was likely trying to save money on the project by either doing it herself of by hiring an unlicensed contractor. Some savings.
Where it is a hazard is if it is torn or worn to allow the fibrous crystals to become dust in the air that you can then breathe in. Those little crystals get into your lungs and get stuck. You can not cough them out. They stay in your lungs for years and years continually irritating the area until they can become cancer.
Think about what this lady did. She had the particles all over her house, inside and out, on heat registers where they would be additionally blown about and circulated. There is no way that she hasn’t exposed herself to breathing that stuff in, along with everyone else in the house hold. It’s just plain stupid, stupid, stupid.
About 3 years ago I sold a house that had asbestos popcorn ceilings. I had the home owner have them professionally removed prior to putting the house up for sale because the ceilings were visibly damaged. It was about 1000 square feet, and as I recall it cost $4000. This was removing the old ceiling and then texturing and painting a new ceiling. There is not so much money involved here that could possibly make improper removal even a tempting option. Just. Don’t. Do. It.
Stay safe and be smart,
Dianne