Possible asbestos in fireplace?

[alexeix]

Hi,

I'm removing the hearth from a fireplace in my 1930s bungalow and was expecting there to be bricks underneath the tiling.
Unfortunately, it seems to be made of some kind of steel/iron reinforced white cement.
I'm now concerned that it might be asbestos.

Can anyone advise about this and how much danger it represents?

This is in my living room, so I use the room most of the time I'm in the house.

I'll add a photo...

 

[alexeix]

Here are a couple of photos. If you enlarge them, you can see the reinforced rod in the hearth.

Asbestos or not?

Untitled

• alexeix
• 23 Oct 2009
• 1

Untitled

• alexeix
• 23 Oct 2009
• 1

 

[raisenator]

Hi
I am renovating a fireplace and found exactly the same as you. Did you ever discover if it was asbestos?
Thanks
Neill

 

[fmck]

The chances are it probably will be. I had something similar recently and took it to our works (a) specialist remover and he just said yeh no need to test everything was being made of it during this time. Now comes the question how to get rid!

 

[tew1]

That's reinforced concrete isn't it? You can get it tested for about £50, just google "asbestos testing lab" in your area, and send them a sample if you're worried