Chances of asbestos in a house built in 1900?

TheJackah

When reading about asbestos, seceral
sources say it wasn’t commonly used in residential properties until the 1930s.

So what are the chances of asbestos being present in a house built in 1900?

theoretica

Less likely to have been used in the original building as you point out - but repairs, modernising, alterations could all have added it.

Carbrook

Further to Theoretica's comment - examples would include fibre cement soffit boards and gutters / downpipes, gaskets in heating appliances, fibres in vinyl floor tiles, fire resistant cement boarding.

TheJackah

Okay thank you! It sounds like, at least internally, we’re relatively safe then. The boiler and all radiators were fitted in the last two years, the floor is carpet and laminate, and there’s practically zero insulation. 

FreeBear

There used to be several products on the market that have since been replaced by the ubiquitous plastic wall plug. If there are any old screws hold stuff to the walls, be mindful that there could be an asbestos based plug behind it. The quantities of asbestos will be low, and if undisturbed, perfectly safe.

Section62

TheJackah said:

Okay thank you! It sounds like, at least internally, we’re relatively safe then. The boiler and all radiators were fitted in the last two years, the floor is carpet and laminate, and there’s practically zero insulation. 

Unfortunately that's not how it works.

What is under that carpet and laminate?  Probably not floor tiles containing asbestos, but you never know for sure until you start doing work and uncover them.

The nice smooth ceiling could have asbestos-containing Artex underneath it.  Or when you start drilling holes in a wall you discover AIB rather than plasterboard.

Asbestos is not an immediate problem if it is in good condition and left alone.  The problems happen when work is being done which disturbs it and releases fibres into the air.

Which means on a 1900 house which existed throughout the whole asbestos-mania period you need to work on the basis asbestos could be anywhere and bear that in mind every time you do any work, and every time you get a professional in - because some of them won't give a darn if they disturb the stuff and leave your home contaminated with fibres.

travis-powers

FreeBear said:

There used to be several products on the market that have since been replaced by the ubiquitous plastic wall plug. If there are any old screws hold stuff to the walls, be mindful that there could be an asbestos based plug behind it. The quantities of asbestos will be low, and if undisturbed, perfectly safe.

Are you saying the fibre rawl plugs I used to hold in my mouth whilst working was asbestos based?

FreeBear

travis-powers said:

FreeBear said:

There used to be several products on the market that have since been replaced by the ubiquitous plastic wall plug. If there are any old screws hold stuff to the walls, be mindful that there could be an asbestos based plug behind it. The quantities of asbestos will be low, and if undisturbed, perfectly safe.

Are you saying the fibre rawl plugs I used to hold in my mouth whilst working was asbestos based?

The fibre tubes were generally made from plant based fibres (Jute) and a glue. The problematic stuff came in a tin as a dry powder that was mixed with water and then pressed in to the hole.

Putting asbestos products in to your mouth, whilst not a good idea, is unlikely to kill. It is only when inhaling the asbestos that problems might occur 25-30 years later. Don't think ingesting the stuff will cause disease.

Section62

FreeBear said:

Putting asbestos products in to your mouth, whilst not a good idea, is unlikely to kill. It is only when inhaling the asbestos that problems might occur 25-30 years later. Don't think ingesting the stuff will cause disease.

Although it is less common than the pleural type, peritoneal mesothelioma is a thing, and is believed to be caused by ingestion of asbestos fibres. But transfer of fibres via the lymphatic system is another possibility.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mesothelioma/

Oh, it can also affect the testicles... something the macho 'asbestos is safe' guys need to think about a bit more carefully.

travis-powers

Section62 said:

FreeBear said:

Putting asbestos products in to your mouth, whilst not a good idea, is unlikely to kill. It is only when inhaling the asbestos that problems might occur 25-30 years later. Don't think ingesting the stuff will cause disease.

Although it is less common than the pleural type, peritoneal mesothelioma is a thing, and is believed to be caused by ingestion of asbestos fibres. But transfer of fibres via the lymphatic system is another possibility.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mesothelioma/

Oh, it can also affect the testicles... something the macho 'asbestos is safe' guys need to think about a bit more carefully.

This was many years ago, we had no idea of the dangers of asbestos there is nothing I can do about it now, at least today there is awareness courses and many companies make it mandatory to have it, so you would like to think workers will stop, think and report.
 As for affecting testicles I have noticed that one of mine is bigger than the other two!

FreeBear

travis-powers said:  As for affecting testicles I have noticed that one of mine is bigger than the other two!

And no doubt hang at different heights ?

All perfectly normal. As long as it isn't swelling up, in which case, you should go and see your GP.