Asbestos?

[Corjj]

I am particularly cautious about the precence of any asbestos in the house and have had loft vermiculite insulation tested in the past.
When cutting out a hole in the plasterboard partition in the under the stairs cupboard I came across a cement board with wood like chips in backing the plasterboard. It is quite rough with a OSB / shredded whet appearance.
Is this likely to be asbestos?
The house is a terrace built in 1940s (rebuilt Victorian).
I have taken a photo of the material.

Asbestos?

• Corjj
• 21 Aug 2016

Backing board to the plasterboard at edge of staircase.

Thanks

 

[^woody^]

Stramit or straw board. No

 

[Corjj]

Thanks for the quick reply. I wasn't aware this stuff existed.

On second inspection I noticed the plaster is directly on the board. I assume it's use in this case because it's stiffer than plasterboard?

 

[^woody^]

Yes it was popular back in the day for partitions and even flat roofs, but it's not in vogue now.

I don't know why it's not used more though as it could be quite useful.