Asbestos Identification

[kesh01]

Hi,

Started pulling out some ceiling tiles, and someone commented they may contain asbestos, excuse my ignorance but I didn't realize and pulled and broke up a lot of them without mask ! have sent sample to be tested, but wondered if anyone could take a look at pics and advise if they think they look like asbestos prior to getting my results back.

Many Thanks,
Gaz

 

[denso13]

Likely nothing to worry about, but testing is the only way to be sure.

 

[Justin Passing]

I'd say you're right to be concerned, especially if they date from the 60's to the 70's. If they're 90's on you should be ok - unless they're old! The look is compatible with the ASB containing ones I've seen, but that doesn't mean.....
You can't be certain without a high powered microscope and reference pictures. They used all manner of fibres.

 

[Brigadier]

FWIW, and I hate to diagnose from a photo, but they look like compressed organic fibre ceiling tiles, and not asbestos-containing.
Heavily-caveated though as, like I have said, I would not be very committal from a photo alone.

 

[hunbahubba]

Don't stress too much about it while there is no 'safe' level of asbestos exposure the reality is there is a lot of asbestos around, it was worked with regularly by lots of people on the 60s 70s and 80s, many of who are still alive and kicking. Makes sense to test and be cautious if you have more tiles to remove etc.