Hi
I have just had my back boiler removed and as part of that there was a asbestos flue. That was removed and caused no problems. My plan has been to dismantle the old fireplace by taking it back to bare brick before building a stud wall around it for recessed TV etc. While removing the facing stone, I inadvertently exposed what you can see in the picture. I did this while hacking away with a crowbar at the stone and mortar. I'm 99% sure this is Asbestos Insulating Board. I'm know the dangers of asbestos in the form of Artex and Asbestos Cement etc, and that the risks are low if handled correctly. However I know that AIB has a much higher percentage of asbestos in, and the nasty blue or white stuff. I'm now concerned that I have released fibres of that stuff into the air and breathed it in. The edge of the board isn't too damaged but it is crumbly in places and would have been pulled apart when pulling the mortar off it, presumably showering the air with the fibres.
Basically, i'm cra**ing myself that i've gone and done something bad to myself and my other half. I know this is a bit dramatic but can anyone shed some light on my situation? This is a serious question so please no silly answers, I genuinely don't know how bad this is.
Thanks for your help
I have just had my back boiler removed and as part of that there was a asbestos flue. That was removed and caused no problems. My plan has been to dismantle the old fireplace by taking it back to bare brick before building a stud wall around it for recessed TV etc. While removing the facing stone, I inadvertently exposed what you can see in the picture. I did this while hacking away with a crowbar at the stone and mortar. I'm 99% sure this is Asbestos Insulating Board. I'm know the dangers of asbestos in the form of Artex and Asbestos Cement etc, and that the risks are low if handled correctly. However I know that AIB has a much higher percentage of asbestos in, and the nasty blue or white stuff. I'm now concerned that I have released fibres of that stuff into the air and breathed it in. The edge of the board isn't too damaged but it is crumbly in places and would have been pulled apart when pulling the mortar off it, presumably showering the air with the fibres.
Basically, i'm cra**ing myself that i've gone and done something bad to myself and my other half. I know this is a bit dramatic but can anyone shed some light on my situation? This is a serious question so please no silly answers, I genuinely don't know how bad this is.
Thanks for your help