Losing my marbles over Asbestos

[K-Duffy]

Hello All,

I moved into a new house a couple of weeks ago and was pulling up carpets. Under one of these I found bitumen adhesive and stupidly decided to sand it (as it was tacky). Later found out it may contain asbestos (currently in for testing) and have since encapsulated the floor regardless for peace of mind. The whole ordeal has sent me loopy though and I’m seeing asbestos in everything.

Can someone who knows better than me tell me if I’m being silly about the attached images.

1) Some very old grey looking porous boards behind the boiler, could be polystyrene style material? Looks like and has air pockets.

2) a suspicious ceiling tile above the boiler, which is in the bathroom. The bathroom itself has a fake ceiling and looks to be renovated in the 90s.

3) a bag of Rockwool loft insulation in the loft. Could this be asbestos if it comes in a rounded bag like this?

I’m afraid to touch or even approach any of these things. These rooms are due to be worked on/renovated this year but I’m scared of my builder disturbing these materials unbeknownst.

thanks everyone!

 

[K-Duffy]

…and what appears to be the site of an old leak from the bedroom ceiling. Is that lime plaster? It’s very white and porous.

The house was built in 1947

Both previous owners died relatively prematurely (73 and 60)… I’m going absolutely crazy over this hahaha.

 

[^woody^]

I'd say no, no, no and no.

Either way, relax, asbestos board is OK when left. Paint it with gloss paint if you like, or just leave it.

 

[K-Duffy]

I'd say no, no, no and no.

Either way, relax, asbestos board is OK when left. Paint it with gloss paint if you like, or just leave it.

Reassuring Woody thank you

 

[Mr Chibs]

Why not get it tested, if it’s a huge concern?

 

[MH731Z]

if i was you I'd collect some samples and send them over to www.airsafe.org.uk for analysis, best company ever and very cost effective. no one can tell you if something has asbestos or not without a lab results, and asbestos in general is harmless unless disturbed or is damaged.

 

[K-Duffy]

Found another possibility. The attic was boarded at some point in the 1980s, but the house was re-roofed in 2012. However I notice that the attic ‘ceiling’ boards have bolts in what looks like pink plaster… or is that AIB??

The bolts appear to have come from outside and disturbed the top layer? Is this plaster old or will it have been replaced during the reroof of 2012? Is it possible to reroof without working from the loft room?

I want to get these things tested but I’m scared to death of going near them because I have OCD and contamination sends me loopy for days. Would like to get a survey instead (so someone else can gather samples) but don’t have the cash.

 

[Mr Chibs]

Those images are just galvanised clout nails pushed through plasterboard, normal construction. The pink plaster is as you've mentioned is just that... plaster. There won't be asbestos fibresin it.

Try to stop worrying about asbestos. I had asbestos at my previous house, gutters, garage roofing etc.
As long as proper precautions are taken when working with it... all will be good. If you don't need to move it, leave it.

A P3 filter/mask can be used if you are worried... you can probably pick one up for £30/40.

Round rockwool bags, don't indicate asbestos... as they still come in round bags today.

 

[^woody^]

Zinc is actually good for you, so licking those nails could be beneficial.

Otherwise, relax.

 

[K-Duffy]

Thanks fellas very reassuring. I definitely need to just chill out over it all!