Ducting Systems and Air Ventilation - Help me identify the type of Asbestos

Hello,

We bought a house that had a little piece of insulation (about 12 inches long) on a steam heat pipe inside a closet that also has electrical meter. The pipe burst one day and all that piece of insulation got wet and broke into pieces. I'm getting a professional in to have it cleaned but I took some pictures of the debris and wanted to find out if it is really asbestos and if it is then what kind? Chrysotile? amosite? crocidolite? Pics are below. It looks like paper..ish and wrinkled.

I know it will be cleaned up soon but I just wanted to know how "dangerous" this damage was?

http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt303/houserepair101/IMG2.jpg

http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt303/houserepair101/IMG1.jpg

Can I send a sample somewhere for testing? Any recommendations on where?

Thanks!

You did not put your location on your personal data sheet, so I can just give a general suggestion.

Look into the telephone book for a testing laboratory that you can send a sample to.

It may not even be asbestos depending on your location and time of installation.

Hi hr101, is the person coming to clean that up certified in asbestos removal, and if so, they can safely collect a sample for you or have it tested. If they are not certified, then you have the problem that the area and the house may remain contaminated.

The other issue is, was this material used through the house? In which case you definately need to identify it and select the proper course for controling or removing it. It is one of those problems that grows with histeria, but doubtful it will become less of an issue (and cost) with time.

Here is a link to add to your knowledge on the subject:
Asbestos Visual Identification in Buildings: How to find recognize, and identify asbestos or asbestos-containing materials in buildings by visual inspection methods - text about and photos of asbestos containing building products (http://www.inspect-ny.com/sickhouse/asbestoslook.htm)

GL
Bud

I'm in New jersey. I don't know when it was installed, but it was the only piece of "pipe insulation" in the house. The house was built in 1940's.

The person I had give me an estimate says he is certified, but if I want to get everything on paper, the price is 4 times as much for the same job (ouch).

If you can recommend a lab, that would be great. I don't know for sure if it's asbestos, but the guy who came in looked at it and said it is asbestos (but then he has an interest there ;) )

What do you think looking at the pics though? I can take a zoom shot if that would help, but everytime I have to open that closet it makes me nervous. :(

thanks for your help!

I don't want to get in your way, but having the job done "officially" is what transfers the liability from you to him, but if that's the only potential asbestos, I wouldn't be too worried.

As far a a test lab, again, he should know. Also that link I posted has all kinds of links included.

Bud

You can't tell (most of the time) that it is asbestos. Lab in your area is EMSL. I use them all the time.

OK, I'll call EMSL tomorrow. And yes, that is the only asbestos in the house that is visible to me. It was about 12 inches wrapped around a steam pipe insulation. I should have taken care of this back when it was on the pipe :wall:

Anyway, thanks for the info everyone. One more question, is the lab going to tell me what "type" of asbestos it is? I called one lab today that came up in a google search, but the rep didn't really seem to know. I read somewhere that one type is a lot more "dangerous" than the other. :eek: so I want to find out myself before it goes away for good. It may not even be asbestos!

They can tell you but who cares! It should all be handled the same way so it is really no need to know.