Asbestos sheets
Do not confuse asbestos plates with asbestos-containing cardboard. Asbestos sheets were flat and were often used for finishing buildings. Where can I encounter asbestos plates and how do I recognize them?
What is an asbestos sheet?
Asbestos sheets were used for many different purposes. The most common is finishing in small spaces such as basements and attics. In some cases, however, the entire facade was covered with it.
These flat sheets of asbestos cement provided a perfect insulating layer, were cheap and fire-resistant.
Asbestos sheets are usually made of cement with about 3% asbestos fibers. Asbestos-containing panels are of the bonded asbestos type. This causes the asbestos fibers to stick to the cement and cannot easily escape into the air.
NOTE: Do not confuse a flat asbestos sheet with slightly thicker insulation boards with asbestos fibers. These thick sheets belong to the more brittle, unbound asbestos type (loose asbestos fibers).
Are asbestos sheets harmful to health?
All materials containing asbestos are harmful to health, but bonded asbestos is especially harmful if the material is damaged or destroyed. A few examples:
- the corner is broken.
- holes drilled in the plate;
- weathered and outdated;
- Asbestos fibers exposed to previous impacts. (strike the record)
How do you recognize an asbestos sheet?
Asbestos sheets are very thin and appear white or gray. Possible slight black weathering on mounting points.
Where can I find asbestos sheets?
Asbestos panels are widely used for fire protection and insulation. Panels with asbestos fibers are therefore mainly found in:
- House construction from before 1990
- basement or attic
- roof fittings/covering
- around radiators and heaters
- ventilation ducts
However, these asbestos plates sometimes occur in complete facades and partition walls.
Can I leave the asbestos plates in place?
In principle, it is not necessary to remove the asbestos plates immediately, but it is recommended. Asbestos sheets become brittle over time.
It is forbidden to damage or move the panel. So you can't hang it up or move it. Asbestos panels must also be removed during renovations or conversions. Even if the asbestos sheet is damaged, it should be removed as soon as possible, as the risk of contamination with asbestos fibers is very high.