Plumber's Putty - Asbestos?

[ASWJA]

Hello All.

I have noticed a strange brown sealant putty around the joints between the plastic piping and the metal drain of this old toilet and wonder whether it might be one of the types that contains asbestos? The stuff on the lower joint looks especially dark and “fibrous” although it’s hard to figure out whether that is just fluff and dust that has adhered to the putty, or even discolouration from rust or even damp mould?

Either way, I would gratefully value your expert opinions before charging in and disturbing anything potentially toxic. Many thanks in advance for any insights you might have.

 

[Nige F]

It could be red lead putty

 

[JimCrow]

or PC4 caulking rope .

 

[gas112]

Look at the sh#te and pish all over the elbow and tiles and your worried about the seal

 

[ASWJA]

Mr. gas112, could any comments not pertinent to the immediate query be directed to the 85-year-old lady we're trying to help out here? From what I gather, the two more constructive replies seem to indicate that there may be a problem of toxic materials in the seal.

 

[Nige F]

You'll be fine removing red lead putty with a pair of rubber gloves on