Asbestos?

Bob Adams · 4 Dec 2020

Hey guys,

so we were taking down the plaster in our downstairs bathroom to put a sink as there was some previous damage and we got a bit doubtful about if it’s normal plaster or asbestos cement plaster or some sort.

we aren’t experienced at all with what’s asbestos and what’s not but we found some random website and sent them some pictures over text.

they said this is 99% asbestos (cement based) and said it’s £700 to come out and take samples then if it is they’ll have to do a full cleanup.

is this typical?

I don’t know if people can actually tell what’s asbestos and what isn’t but here are the pictures... any advice would be appreciated.

the house was built in the late 1950s.

https://ibb.co/TvGYXnZ

https://ibb.co/t8sXjDd

jacko555 · 4 Dec 2020

Buy a kit online and send a sample. Search for asbestos test kit.
Dont go on a photo

flameport · 4 Dec 2020

Many materials contain asbestos. If you want to know for certain, a sample will have to be tested.

Bob Adams said:
is this typical?

Certainly typical of scammers.
£700 is outrageously expensive.

Tests can be done for far less.

lostinthelight · 4 Dec 2020

Ive had a few tests from passuk who are very reliable
They send a kit out snd you post it back.
https://www.passukltd.co.uk/

RF Lighting · 4 Dec 2020

This video seems very useful. £700 is outrageous and may be just the start of charges once they have a foot in your door.

^woody^ · 4 Dec 2020

There is no such thing as asbestos cement plaster. And your image links aren't working.

Bob Adams · 5 Dec 2020

^woody^ said:
There is no such thing as asbestos cement plaster. And your image links aren't working.

Hey woody,

thanks - links are working fine for other people? Checked a few times and they work.

the guy called it asbestos cement mortar.... apparently

^woody^ · 5 Dec 2020

Links are loading now, they were frozen yesterday.

Anyway, asbestos was not used in plaster or applied cement render in the UK. White textured coatings, or cement paste for pipe joints or collars, yes.

The claim of it (anything) being "99% asbestos" is just wrong and makes me think who ever stated that is a clueless charlatan and should be avoided

lostinthelight · 5 Dec 2020

Ive just seen the pics of this and it looks like lime render thats been skimmed with gypsum is there a coat of artex over it all its hard to tell from the angle.
Btw if you get a positive result from passuk they give guidance what action to take for the various types and if you need to be licenced or not

StephenOak · 5 Dec 2020

^woody^ said:
The claim of it (anything) being "99% asbestos" is just wrong

Maybe they meant that there is a 99% probability that there is asbestos present.

Of course that would be nonsense as you can't detect asbestos from a photo.

Bob Adams · 5 Dec 2020

Thanks guys!

Turns out the samples I sent to a proper company came back negative I.e no trace of asbestos.

That other guy was a muppet. Thanks!