Asbestos in lathe ceiling?

[jacko555]

House was built between 1911 and 1926. Majority of the ceilings are original plaster lathe.

Survey has suggested these, the ceiling coving and walls be tested for asbestos. I chatted with the surveyor, who said he saw no evidence of, or, anything to suggest asbestos, however, prudent to test for it, as removal costs are not cheap.

This has gotten wifey scared.

I know the only way to know is to test, and we will.

However, in people's experience - what are the chances of it being used in a house / ceilings of this age?

Just curious is all.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[KenGMac]

jacko555, good evening.

Must admit I have never heard of "Asbestos" being present or incorporated into the plaster on a lath and Plaster ceiling or wall, AT ALL ! !

If the ceilings and walls have "Artex" applied then YES the Artex MAY??? contain small volumes [of generally] Chrysotile asbestos.

Many years ago, I did hear that the horse hair used in some old plasters could??? contain Anthrax, never ever heard of cases emanating from that as a source of that disease.

Could be that the "Surveyor" who suggested that the plaster be tested, NOTE not the Artex [IF PRESENT] is looking after his Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Reality Check?? If such plaster of that age were to contain Asbestos a so called ACM [Asbestos Containing Material] then all properties of a certain age with such plaster would be on a warning list and would be a well known ACM there is NO SUCH warnings are in place.

Provided there is no Artex present then your "Surveyor" is simply wrong, BIG STYLE!!!!!! --- I am being very, very politically correct here??? ---

Ken.

 

[jacko555]

Thats what I thought. Its horse hair lath plaster. No artex. Original plaster ceiling moulds.

He put it in the report as "prudent to test for" but didnt sound right, hence my post!

Of course, wifey still wants the test.

I appreciate the reply. Hey ho

 

[KenGMac]

jacko555, hi again.

Suggest you go on to the HSE web site and see what materials contain Asbestos, there are a load, but not Horse hair plaster.

As an aside, if you do get someone in [not advised] it will cost you £££ but he will NOT test the plaster, there is no need??

Ken.

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

theyve gone overboard these days.
wonder they didnt ask if its got a radon barrier or check for wall tie failure. one big a7se covering excersise.