Joint sealant used on asbestos flue pipe in loft

LDH

Hi

I have moved into a new house (built in 1972). There is an asbestos Urastone flue pipe running through my loft which isn't a problem in itself as it isn't in use and i do not intend to remove it. However, as the pipe is made up of sections, there is joint sealant present.

These joints have cement which is now crumbling and falling down on to the loft floor. As the flue pipe is made of asbestos cement, would the joint sealant cement also be hazardous? I have been told that it is likely to be 'fire cement'.

I have tried to clean the area below on the loft floor by vacuuming the loose debris but i'm now concerned that this could be asbestos cement.

Please could any knowledgeable person advise on this?

Thanks in advance.

plumb1_2

90% it would be fire cement, you could stabilise it by painting the joint with gloss. But always best to get the disused pipe removed safely.

LDH

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Is the fire cement joint sealant dangerous though?
I've read that fire cement was toxic (containing asbestos) years ago although the stuff you can buy now is non-toxic. I do not have the means to have the flue removed from the house at this time so it has to stay. I also do not wish to remove any of the remaining cement although i fear that by painting over it, it may dislodge more as it is very crumbly. It is only the top few joint seals closest to the roof ridge vent that are crumbling. The joints further down are ok and could be painted. I was hoping that it was just plain old cement.

C_Mababejive

The joints are likely sealed with flue jointing compound or mortar typically of this genre

http://www.plumbcenter.co.uk/en/heating/heating-essentials/purimachos-pcfjc05-500gm-fjc-flue-jointing-61702

If its of any reassurance,i was in the business for a couple of decades and regularly dealt with possible asbestos containing products and have suffered no ill health (yet)

LDH

Thanks to all for advice:)