Is this asbestos?

[vampyr]

Hello all,

I was clearing my parents shed out yesterday and came across something that my dad said was fibre board. However, I didn't think much of it to begin with but after picking up the three separate pieces and then moving them out into the garden, I started to wonder whether they contained any asbestos.

I've uploaded some pictures of them. My father obtained them years ago from an old workplace that used to use them as 'pin boards' in the office. My father was a mechanic and these boards would have been used in the side offices adjacent to the workshop.

I'd really like to get some feedback on what the boards might be. I know that it's impossible to tell whether something is asbestos or not just by looking at it but I've had dealings with the AIB type before (had it all professionally removed by a contractor) and isn't that stuff usually like an off-white/grey colour?

Thanks in advance

 

[vampyr]

 

[vampyr]

 

[Bosswhite]

Fibre Board .

 

[anobium]

Used to be called Celotex but yes it is a fibre board

 

[JohnD]

(the fibres are from wood pulp, so it's not toxic, it's the same stuff you'd make cardboard out of)

 

[vampyr]

Thanks to all for your prompt replies. It's good to know your thoughts. How certain are you that this isn't asbestos? I only ask as I worry a lot about these things and so peace of mindis everything to me.

 

[^woody^]

the fibres are from wood pulp, so it's not toxic

You forgot to mention that the dust is carcinogenic. Does that count as "toxic".

 

[^woody^]

How certain are you that this isn't asbestos?

As certain as your dad

 

[vampyr]

Ok so even though it's not asbestos (going on the above replies), if the dust is still carcinogenic then this isn't good to read! I was outside the whole time and wearing old clothes. I did inspect the board and snapped a couple of pieces off to have a closer look at. There was a little bit of dust for a few seconds but nothing anywhere near like cutting it with a saw or smashing it up with a hammer etc. When I realised it might have been asbestos, I poured water on the board to dampen it down. I noticed that the water started to soak into the board. I always thought that if it was asbestos that generally it doesn't become 'soggy' when its dampened down?

 

[blightymam]

You're worrying over nothing. So many things are considered carcinogenic. Walking down your local street, doing some shopping or whatever will have you breathing in exhaust fumes. Exhaust fumes carcinogenic and I bet you don't give that a second thought.
Anyway, you'll be fine, don't worry. Even if it was asbestos (which it's not) such a tiny amount of exposure is really nothing to worry about, most of these things take much more exposure to do real harm.

 

[HawkEye244]

Fibreboard -- you are not going to die. Congratulations.

 

[nauseous]

that's put me in the mood for bowl of weetabix.

 

[securespark]

I would celebrate with something more!