is this likely to be asbestos?

[BL18]

Hi,

I'm replacing the skirting boards in a bedroom in our 1930s house, and am concerned about the plaster beneath it.

Does it look like it's asbestos?
I had a P3 rated mask on throughout, and also when I took the picture and have sealed off under the door just in case.

It's the white layer over the top of the plaster I'm concerned about.
The close up of the smaller piece is a section that feel away from that area.
The texure is just like a plaster skim, but I'm unsure as to why it's only on some of the plaster beneth the skirting board.
As you can see it's sort of half and half right the way along the wall.

Lime and horse hair plaster throughout; it's just that thin white layer on top..

Thanks.

 

[Pigeon85]

First thought is lime plaster.

If your ever in any doubt then have it tested.

 

[BL18]

First thought is lime plaster.

If your ever in any doubt then have it tested.

Interesting, thanks for the reply.

All the walls in the room are lime and horse hair.
Just didn't know if it was something else under the skirting board or whether it was just the same skim that's on the rest of the wall.

 

[^woody^]

Asbestos was not used in plaster

 

[Pigeon85]

Asbestos was not used in plaster

Is it definitely plaster?
I didn't say for sure, its just my first thought without seeing it in person.

 

[noseall]

Is it definitely plaster?

FFS.

 

[^woody^]

Is it definitely plaster?
I didn't say for sure, its just my first thought without seeing it in person.

I don't know, but my comment still stands.

More significant, is that you dont see strands of asbestos fibre poking out of stuff like the in the OP's photo. That is, not unless you have a red face, and wear a green spandex gimp suit with yellow cape.

 

[BL18]

Thanks for the responses.

All the walls in the room are lime and horse hair.

I'm presuming the area I'm talking about was just where the plasterer had finished doing the skim; the bit at the bottom not being seen when the skirting board was on.


Just thought I better get a second opinion.
Obviously you can never be sure and you can get it tested but it's very expensive.
If it's highly unlikely to be asbestos I'll just fit the new skirting on and leave it.

 

[Pigeon85]

FFS.

What's wrong with asking? I can clearly see the backing is plaster I'm pretty sure its the face of it that the OP is questioning, as I'm not there to see it then I again just presume its lime but not going to guarantee it.

 

[Pigeon85]

I don't know, but my comment still stands.

More significant, is that you dont see strands of asbestos fibre poking out of stuff like the in the OP's photo. That is, not unless you have a red face, and wear a green spandex gimp suit with yellow cape.

My eye sight must be bad as I don't see any hair in the face of that lump.

 

[BL18]

It's very difficult to see it on the photo,but the appearance and texture of the white I'm concerned about is a chalk like substance as far as I can tell.

 

[Pigeon85]

It's very difficult to see it on the photo,but the appearance and texture of the white I'm concerned about is a chalk like substance as far as I can tell.

If its original then highly unlikely there will be asbestos in it, please don't believe there was never asbestos used in plaster as it did get used but at a later period than the 1930s.
But like I said before if your really worried then have it tested.

 

[wessex101]

A little tip an asbestos surveyor told me years ago. If you inadvertenly end up with a piece of material like that with fibres sticking out and the homeowner is freaking out put a match to the fibres. Horsehair strands instantly fizzle up, asbestos doesn't burn. It always reassures them and is easier than explaining they didn't put asbestos in plaster.