Is this asbestos?

one-non-blonde

This is a photo of the ceiling in the cupboard that houses my (old, copper) hot water cylinder. I accidentally left my electric immersion heater on for a few hours the other day and when I got home the steam from the header tank boiling (thermostat must be broken) had brought the ceiling down. There appears to be three layers: a brownish board with a textured finish; about 5mm of a rough cement-like substance and a further few mm of plaster.

withabix

You haven't made that photo public on Flickr, so we can't see it!

one-non-blonde

withabix wrote: »

You haven't made that photo public on Flickr, so we can't see it!

I've gone through all the settings but everything is public as far as I can see!

My broadband is pants at the moment that it takes about 100x longer than normal to load pages - so slow that I can't even post a complaint thread about TalkTalk on the internet board as it would take too long. :cool:

EDIT: Sorted! (hopefully)

fluffymuffy

nope - can't see it

tired_dad

cn't see pic but either way it is not that relevant.

If you really want to know, pick up some of the debris and send it off for testing. Its the only way to be sure

keystone

and while you are waiting for the test results to come back please do pop up in your roofspace and make sure that the CWST has actually got cold water in it and not hot water and get your immersion heater fixed too. Believe me the threat to your health and wellbeing represented by these two is far greater than the fallen ceiling.

Actually no - check the tank now and get someone into look at the IH quickly then worry about the ceiling.

Cheers

one-non-blonde

keystone wrote: »

and while you are waiting for the test results to come back please do pop up in your roofspace and make sure that the CWST has actually got cold water in it and not hot water and get your immersion heater fixed too. Believe me the threat to your health and wellbeing represented by these two is far greater than the fallen ceiling.

Actually no - check the tank now and get someone into look at the IH quickly then worry about the ceiling.

Cheers

I don't have roofspace, I'm a ground floor conversion and this is a small cupboard in the centre of the flat. All cold water is mains. I don't 'need' my immersion - it's just the quickest way to heat hot water but yes, I'll be getting the thermostat replaced (that's easy to do and the least of my worries). However, I have NO MONEY for sending samples off to be tested without reasonable suspicion. It's taking me about an hour to load a web-page (MSE is one of the worst) so I haven't been able to sort the photo problem out.

T_T_2

one-non-blonde wrote: »

I have NO MONEY for sending samples off to be tested without reasonable suspicion.

You had reasonable enough suspicion to ask the question on here. You need to get it tested. It's not very expensive and the risks to your health in later life are worth considering.

pka_2

one-non-blonde wrote: »

. However, I have NO MONEY for sending samples off to be tested without reasonable suspicion.

I hate to say this, but if it is asbestos, you're going to have to find a fair bit of money from somewhere to get rid!

T_T_2

pka wrote: »

I hate to say this, but if it is asbestos, you're going to have to find a fair bit of money from somewhere to get rid!

You don't always need to get rid of asbestos. In many cases, providing it is identified and left alone it will be harmless. In the OP's case the suspect materials has been disturbed (and that's an understatement).

moneyuser

I got some artex samples tested for about £10 from a local asbestos company. If you do take your own sample you have to wear suit, gloves, mask, eye protection.

Edit: Image from link OP posted