asbestos?

[ladwey]

Hi -- can anyone tell just by looking if this is asbestos? It was lining the inside of a hearth, around a wood burning stove. I've ordered a proper testing kit but I'd like to know if I should be avoiding the room where the rest of it is while I wait for the kit to arrive.

 

[Wayners]

I think so.

Look up on council website about dumping it. My local tip will take asbestos if you fill out form. Will also find information on removal. I'd not touch that anymore until you've done some research

 

[ladwey]

Thanks mate. I'll steer clear till the results come then get the pros in -- local tips won't touch it unfortunately.

 

[Mike13]

keep it damp if possible, less loose fibres flying around when it is not dry.

 

[^woody^]

Plasterboard. Asbestos board is hard and don't crumble.

 

[ladwey]

Even with all those fibres sticking out?

 

[SpecialK]

You wont be able to see asbestos fibres...

Even with all those fibres sticking out?

 

[ladwey]

You wont be able to see asbestos fibres...

Fair enough -- I've never come across this material before (not like any plasterboard I've seen) and I've never come across asbestos either, the location and unfamiliarity made me suspicious so I was freaking out a bit!

 

[SpecialK]

Better to be safe than sorry! Certainly the cement based asbestos I have come across has been hard and snaps in a straight line. Its normally used in soffits, guttering, downpipes and places that can get hot.

Fair enough -- I've never come across this material before (not like any plasterboard I've seen) and I've never come across asbestos either, the location and unfamiliarity made me suspicious so I was freaking out a bit!

 

[Miniscule]

Certainly better to be safe than sorry and get it tested.

Depending on how old it is, the fibres could actually just be horse hair. It used to be used historically to give lime plaster more tensile strength. It stopped being used commonly back in the 50s but is still used today by restoration specialists in grade listed properties. I'm not experienced enough to be able to say it is or isn't horse hair with any level of certainty, but is a possibility.

 

[ladwey]

Hi all -- checking in to say that the lab got back and it wasn't asbestos. Thanks for all the help above!

 

[^woody^]

What do we win?

 

[ladwey]

I got you this medal to wear!

 

[^woody^]

Thanks. I'll await the test results before wearing it