Is it asbestos?

[rustynuts2]

Hello,

I've just started pulling up the lino and half inch thick pitch that are on top of old quarry tiles in a kitchen and between the pitch layer and the surface of the tile is a thin cloth like material.
The material isn't woven, it looks more like a very thin chopped strand mat. What might it be and should I leave alone?

thanks

 

[ree]

It could be a fibre glass matting used in conjunction with the bitumen asphalt
The asphalt would probably have been a membrane (DPM) to protect against any damp coming thro the slab. Typically, it was applied to the concrete surface.

Use a mask/respirator and gloves, and keep the dust down. Lift the tiles and the asphalt will snap off reasonably clean. Slice the lino/vinyl as you lift - dont sand anything.

Asbestos was mixed with the bitumen but there would be no reason to have an asbestos mat.

A long shot is degraded black roofing felt ... doubtful.