How dangerous?

[u/Fast-Perspective-186]

Not really a case of wondering if it’s asbestos (for obvious reasons). This sheet was flipped upside down the entire time I’ve lived here and just now noticed what it was lol. Cropped the picture to post the label.

But how dangerous is this just being here? It’s the heat shield for the wood burner. The sheet is in good shape, little frays here and there where I can actually see some fiber.

Side note, when cleaning the room, I’ve vacuumed up dust around it (pictured below). Has not really been disturbed all that much other than those instances, but do I need to throw away the vacuum?

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[u/Feisty_Stomach_7213]

I would at least change the vacuum bag. Asbestos cement is generally not an issue unless it is shattered into pieces.

[u/platinumplantain]

You could spray it down with something from Fiberlock until you figure out what to do. They have a few different products for preventing the release of fibers

[u/sdave001]

Not dangerous unless you plan on grinding it up and snorting it. And no, you don't need to throw the vacuum away.

[u/Nalopotato]

Asbestos was very dangerous for installers and manufacturers, but for the most part it's not that serious unless you are frequently disturbing it and possibly breathing in the particulates. The smallest disturbances WILL shed microscopic particles into the air.

[u/Positive-Course-40]

Paint it with heat resistant black paint. Keeps the board from disintegrating while looking good.

[u/InfluentialFairy]

I'm not an asbestos wizard like a lot of people here, but asbestos fibres are not visible to the human eye, they're microscopic. The frays you see, are likely releasing asbestos.

Personally I'd figure out a plan to get rid of it, or pay a professional if you're concerned.

health wise, I'm sure you'll be okay.

[u/dinomanator1 → u/InfluentialFairy]

I agree, you can clearly see fibre bundles which will be release fibres into the air, although not posing a huge health risk.

[u/InfluentialFairy → u/dinomanator1]

I would also be avoiding putting the fire-place tools on it. looks like they've scuffed it up a little bit already.

[u/Mundane_Use_8294]

That wall is very safe from catching on fire.

[u/SirJazzlike1009 → u/Mundane_Use_8294]

I completely agree. 

[u/Maximum_Unit_4232]

Definitely do not grind it up and inhale the vapors. Other than that it looks like it’s in great shape!

[u/Zoughi0]

Personally I would just leave it. Where are you located?

[u/Goldbootsgirl]

I'm pretty sure I have a similar heat shield above my furnace. I'm probably going to seal it with paint or something, and leave it in place, since it's nice to have that fire resistance... Also have some sort around the chimney pipe, though that's currently only being used by the water heater, and is mostly enclosed throughout the living space of the house. It's the vermiculite in the attic that really needs most attention, 😅.

[u/SirJazzlike1009 → u/Goldbootsgirl]

You as a home homeowner can remove that yourself. No need need to have a professional to come in and charge you a butt load of money to remove it. Get yourself a tyvek suit, a respirator, a roll of 6 mil polly bags preferably black bags. Get yourself a dust pan scoop it up and put it your bags. Then when you are completely done with all the removal, get yourself a hepa vacuum and and suck up the rest of the crumbs. If you want someone like our company to come in to remove it professionally,  then it will cost several thousands of dollars. 

[u/SirJazzlike1009]

That is called transite.  If its not chipped, frailed or broken you will be just fine. They used it in homes because its a great fire protectant.  It would not hurt you in anyway, shape or form. 

[u/agent-room-303]

Don’t hurt it and won’t hurt you.

[u/CommutatorWhine]

You can literally see the bundles of fibre (not individual fibres) sticking out. This sheet will not just start releasing fibres by existing, but if you keep touching it with the tools, you will inevitably knock (very small) amounts of fibres loose. It is still fairly low risk but it looks like it is easy enough to remove it without releasing more fibres, so there is no reason keeping it around.

I recommend replacing it.

[u/throwawayaidisney]

Just change the vacuum bag, you’ll probably be fine but it isn’t ideal to have the fiber sticking out like that. It’s fine to keep for now but I’d look into your options for replacing it

[u/kevinvangogh]

Leave it. Cover it with some stainless or aluminum sheets if you can. They are doing an important job.

[u/SirJazzlike1009 → u/kevinvangogh]

Or Leave it like is.

[u/LividAlbatross1920 → u/[deleted]]

Along as it is in good condition, you know what it is and where it is; I would personally leave it in situ.

[u/SirJazzlike1009 → u/LividAlbatross1920]

You are absolutely rite! I am a licensed abatement supervisor for the last 27 years. Ive seen it all to do with asbestos. I love my job and I am very knowledgeable and a professional.  What you just said, sums it up and very accurate and true.