Walls -what are they made of?

[rod@plasterbrok]

Personally I think there is a lot of scaremongering going on in regards to asbestos sheeting.

I don't doubt for a minute that asbestos is a very dangerous product, however I think the dangers are a lot lower than people are led to believe in asbestos sheeting.

Take care by all means but there is no need to be frantic about it.

I am 47 and at a very young age we spend hours over many weekends throwing bits of asbestos sheeting into a fire, where we had a holiday home, just to watch it explode! Touch wood I am not dead yet!

This is just my personal opinion.

[TJAY]

So what are my walls made of?? I've got an old Edwardian house in Melbourne which I'm about to start repairing the damp-proof on - I've spent the day chipping away at the original render/plaster - however I've come across a wall that seems to have some sort of fibro-cement sheet over it - would homes of this age have asbestos cement sheet internally?

[rod@plasterbrok]

Most likely to be asbestos sheet if it is original cement sheet lining.

Post a pic for better advice.

Cheers

[TJAY]

That's not good news, I'd hacked away at a bit before I noticed it wasn't plaster! And looking at other walls in the house where I've taken the skirting off there's a lot more of it!

Best be calling a pro in tomorrow to make sure!

[nev25]

Personally I think there is a lot of scaremongering going on in regards to asbestos sheeting.
.

Yeah Ive got cement sheeting in my laundry and toilet area.
I started to remove it years ago and it has sat there broken for many years.
When all this asbestos hype started I got a Asbestos removal person to come look to see if it is asbestos and to give me a quote.

Interesting thing is he broke a bit off (no protective clothing or face-masks etc) went outside and held it up to the light and said "oh yeah its asbestos see the furry bits around the edges thats how I can tell"

Took the piece with him and said it will cost $1500 for him to remove it all.