Asbestos in chimney ?

[disk3473]

Hi Everyone

I know that it will not be certain without having it tested but any thoughts on the following would be much appreciated.

In our 1880s cottage we recently moved into i noticed when removing the old air vents on the walls where fireplaces upstairs once were that the cavity was full of old cement and brick debris and blocking all airflow.

Foolishly my instant reaction was to hoover it out all the dust etc and removed the large bits as pictured.

Then after doing so my stomach turned and i thought what if that cement or mortar contained Asbestos.

Too late now but the debris was from where the previous owner had the stack rebuilt on the roof so guessing the builders let all the debris fall down and block both vents below.

Being 1880s i am not sure if this is the type of material to contain it i assume its the old internal liner or parging so i read but again taught me a lesson to stop and think.

Any thoughts other than being a numpty greatly appreciated

Steve

 

[Wayners]

Asbestos fibers glow when you put a flame to it. Crude test though and not reliable.

Yeah. Cound be asbestos cement

 

[RandomGrinch]

Does it fizz, if a small chunk is dropped in vinegar?

 

[^woody^]

Asbestos was not used in general mortar or chimney parging.

 

[^woody^]

Does it fizz, if a small chunk is dropped in vinegar?

As an asbestos check? Take that with a pinch of salt

Lime mortar will fizz

 

[RandomGrinch]

Lime mortar will fizz

Yes, that's my point!

 

[disk3473]

Thanks for the replies and good to know it was not used for this purpose Woody.

As we sleep near to the vent i wanted to double check but it does seem like a lime sand mix type material and hoping it dates back to when the house was built as the material looked very similar to that of the ceilings which are lath and plaster.