Asbestos Concrete Fireplace Surround?

[DPhill]

I was recently involved in removing a concrete mantle/surround around an old fire place in a house that we’re renovating. The removal generated a lot of dust and I’m only now realising there could’ve been asbestos involved. This was not inside the fire, but was more of a decorative surround. What is the likelihood of asbestos being used in a concrete product from probably 80s era? The material was a dark grey colour and contained aggregate of about 10mm. Was also steel reinforced. There was no visible fibres but I’ve heard you generally can’t see them in a concrete product.

Should I be worried? Thanks

 

[cross thread]

If it’s 80s little chance

 

[DPhill]

80s is only a guess, could be earlier

 

[SpecialK]

Just sounds like concrete. You should wear a mask if its dusty even if its not asbestos.

 

[DPhill]

Yes I agree about the mask, was a last minute decision to help out so wasn’t well prepared. Not the smartest of moves!

 

[flameport]

Should I be worried? Thanks

Whether it contained asbestos is now irrelevant.

If it did, you have breathed a load of it in.
If not, you just breathed in a load of concrete, cement and other dust.

Either way it's too late to do anything about it now.

 

[DPhill]

Would it have been expected to include asbestos in a decorative fireplace surround though. Have read that it’s usually in insulation boards around the fire and other areas, but not sure about concrete.

 

[Terrywookfit]

It was probably Vermiculite.
The only asbestos was in the sealing rope around the cutout.