Is there asbestos in chimney breast plaster

fearlessbob

Does there tend to be asbestos in the plaster on the outside of my chimney breast.... It's a 1950s terraced house

I want to expose the bricks.... I'm not sure if the plaster I want to chip of would likely have it in

I know the only way to know is to have a test done... Wonder if that's where it would be... If it's in there... If that makes sence

Cheers

FreeBear

Very unlikely it will contain asbestos. The plaster is likely to be lime, and the base layer incorporating animal hair. Be warned - bricks behind plaster are generally ugly looking brutes as the builders will have used all the damaged & rejects knowing that they would be hidden.

FreeBear

joshuajac wrote: »

Why is it necessary to bury plaster board separate and why do they say you now need to wear a mask when hacking off gypsum? Are the particles particularly hazardous?

Plasterboard contains large quantities of calcium sulphate - When put in landfill, it reacts with organic waste to produce (amongst other things) hydrogen sulphide - This is a toxic gas and a contributor to greenhouse gasses.

Plasterboard is recyclable at dedicated plants (British Gypsum recycle quite a large percentage of virgin plasterboard waste).

Any cutting or sanding of plasterboard & associated products produce dust - This is a significant health hazard, so dust masks should always be used. Basic health and safety and common sense.

Gloomendoom

FreeBear wrote: »

Very unlikely it will contain asbestos. The plaster is likely to be lime, and the base layer incorporating animal hair. Be warned - bricks behind plaster are generally ugly looking brutes as the builders will have used all the damaged & rejects knowing that they would be hidden.

I doubt it will be lime plaster with animal hair in a 1950's house. More likely common or garden gypsum based plaster.

joshuajac wrote: »

why do they say you now need to wear a mask when hacking off gypsum? Are the particles particularly hazardous?

Because fine dust, whatever it is made of, is never good to inhale!

Davesnave

Agree with Freebear; hazardous dust will possibly be the least of your worries if you want exposed brickwork on a bog-standard 1950s semi.

If it's anything like my semi was, those expansive gardens were achieved by cutting costs elsewhere!