Could this be asbestos? Ceiling boards

[Mercury00]

I've just been drilling this to run aerial electrical cables, including cutting circles with a holecutter. I don't know if you can get asbestos ceiling boards, I just didn't like the look of this when I cut a hole in it. The surveyor said it was plaster and lath, but it's only a 6mm sheet.






photo upload

[Boosted LS1]

What does it smell like?

[jas xjr]

those look like suspended ceiling tiles. hope that helps until somebody more knowledgable comes along. i might try to remove a complete one , there maybe some markings on the reverse

[anonymous-user]

Normal ceiling tiles? Who knows, get a sample down to a asbestos survey company, next time check before you drill?

[Rickyy]

Getting it sampled is the only way to get a definitive answer. I'd suggest leaving it well alone until you have a result, if it is indeed asbestos insulation board, it is very nasty stuff.

[Mercury00]

ste!

[magooagain]

It looks like a compressed fiber board material from the 60s and 70s. It may be called tentest board or similar name. If it is it's harmless enough,but you should wear a mask anyway.

Edited by magooagain on Saturday 11th February 20:24

[anonymous-user]

Asbestos can take 10-25 years to cause problems.

[jas xjr]

the stuff i am familiar with , dates from the early nineties and it contained fibreglass , at least something that made my arms itch

[Ynox]

+1 for you'll only know if you test it.

It may be AIB though. Nasty st - I've also been exposed to it in the past

[Rickyy]

A google of 'Asbestos Cement Ceiling Board', brings up similar pictures to your ceiling.



If it is asbestos cement board, it is nowhere near as dangerous as AIB and has nowhere near the same level of fibre release. I believe up to a certain amount can be removed by unlicensed contractors under 'Cat B' conditions.

[Sheetmaself]

Yes there are worse forms of asbestos than others but that is like saying you have good AIDS, you still have AIDS. Get it tested and next time if your not sure take more care.

That said if it is abestos take at least some solace that every two minutes of fresh air breathing apparently leads to an asbestos fibre being ingested.

[roofer]

Looks to loosely bound for cement. Could be AIB.

[Mercury00]

I've looked at testing websites and they want a three inch piece. How am I going to fix a three inch hole in my ceiling? It's not as if I'm going to replace them anyway, I've got no money and won't have for the foreseeable future with the amount of other problems this place has. I'll just sell the place and say it's lath and plaster like the surveyor did with me

[Simpo Two]

I'd just open the windows and drill the fker.

[mickk]

I'd be ringing the surveyor up.

[DrDeAtH]

Simpo Two said:

I'd just open the windows and drill the fker.

Great...making asbestos particles airborne..

Best use a hoover to suck the dust away whilst drilling. Wear a good dust mask at the same time.

If in any doubt, have the substrate checked by an asbestos company.

[silvagod]

Fromt the look of the second picture (despite that it's not in focus which unfortunately makes it difficult) it does look like an asbestos based boarding.

You need to get a sample tested as soon as possible and leave the area alone until you know for sure. The piece in the photograph is perfectly good enough to be tested, laboratories can identify from dust so the '3 inch' piece is not required.

Do NOT 'vacuum' up the area or dust as this will not only contaminate your vacuum cleaner (unless it is a specific HEPA sealed unit) but will also blow fibres around the room.

[dirkgently]

DrDeAtH said:

Great...making asbestos particles airborne..

DrDeAtH said:

Best use a hoover to suck the dust away whilst drilling. Wear a good dust mask at the same time.

Don`t use a vacuum unless it has a hepa filter, you will just end up with a contaminated room and vacuum cleaner.
OP, The sample you have should be big enough for a lab to test.

[Simpo Two]

I misunderstood the severity of this situation. You can never be too careful these days so it's best to be 100% safe. After due consideration and taking into account all the above comments, you should have your entire house encased in concrete.