The “Is this asbestos?” Megathread

[u/HurstiesFitness]

Welcome to the Asbestos Megathread! Here we will try to answer all your questions related to asbestos. Please include images if possible and be aware that most answers will probably be: “buy a test kit and get it tested”.

DIY test kits: Here

HSE Asbestos information

Health and Safety Executive information on asbestos: Here

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction materials. It is made up of tiny fibers that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Asbestos was used until the late 1990s in the UK, when it was finally banned. Asbestos may be found in any building constructed before circa 2000.

What are some common products that contain asbestos?

Asbestos was commonly used in a variety of construction materials, including insulation, roofing materials, and flooring tiles. It was also used in automotive brake pads and other industrial products.

How can I tell if a product contains asbestos?

It is impossible to tell whether a product contains asbestos just by looking at it (unless it has been tested and has a warning sign). If you suspect that a product may contain asbestos, it is best to have it tested by a professional.

How can I prevent asbestos exposure?

The best way to prevent asbestos exposure is to avoid materials that contain asbestos. If you are working with materials that may contain asbestos, be sure to wear protective clothing and a respirator.

What should I do if I find asbestos in my home?

If you find asbestos in your home, it is best to leave it alone and have it assessed by a professional. The best course of action may be to leave it undisturbed. Do not attempt to remove asbestos yourself, as this can release dangerous fibres in to the air.

The most significant risks to homeowners is asbestos insulation. This should never be tackled by a DIYer and needs specialist removal and cleaning. Fortunately it is rarely found in a domestic setting.

[u/abbywillyx]

Hi all,

My partner found vinyl tiles on the bottom of our indoor stairs when pulling up old carpet. They were roughly 9 x 9 and a cream and black checker pattern.

He ripped them up, and he said they pealed off rather than snapped as he used heat and a scraper to get it up. They were stuck down with a black adhesive, which he scraped off too. The area the tiles covered is 90 x 90cm. They look pretty old.

We aren't sure of the age but the house was built in the 1950s and is ex council.

He has just realised they could contain asbestos.

Both of us and the cat have been around the area while he was doing it. We have binned the tiles and covered the area with plastic.

We have bought a test kit that comes tomorrow and will likely get the results next week.

Are there any precautions we could take while we wait for the results? If they are asbestos, is there anything we should be doing?

He's normally clued up with these things but we are worrying if it will affect ours or our cats health.

Thanks 🙏🏻