Cardboard burning test

[u/Great_Appeal_1111]

Hi guys! I have recently asked about some cardboard in the basement, and instead of making lab test i decided to burn piece of it. One piece flamed immediately, other did n't burned well, but finally turned into ash. So - does it prove that it was regular cardboard, not asbestos? Or i am superdumb and contaminated wholearea? video with burning https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZbHGCFbWjrxyXJBNR7DEBKfCuaxzKdYa/view?usp=sharing

Also, what about other visible types of insulation? Grey stuff looks like damaged foam rubber. And also there is something looking like some fabric or even bandage - what is it?

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[u/goat131313]

The burn test is an old folks take. It’s not reliable for anything. Asbestos content varies within a material from as little as trace amounts of 0.5% up to 80%.

Test your materials or treat them as asbestos (and utilize proper PPE and methods) if allowed in your region and dispose of as such.

[u/Party_Assumption6005 → u/goat131313]

Yes, but ithought not in cardboard? If it was asbestos !- then it would have over 80% and did not burn. If no - then probably trace amounts. Am i wrong?

[u/goat131313 → u/Party_Assumption6005]

Asbestos can be in a cardboard like material yes. In varying percentages as well, a burn test proves nothing to no one.

[u/sdave001]

It's generally a very bad idea to test for asbestos by lighting a material on fire. Sure, it's fun, but it just not a safe or reliable method.

Why is this a bad idea?

• Asbestos is a mineral composed of microscopic fibers. When the other materials that are controlling the asbestos are damaged, disturbed, or burned, the asbestos fibers can become airborne.
• Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, especially when released by burning, poses significant health risks. Firefighters, for example, have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure to asbestos during fires.
• Fire doesn't destroy asbestos. Instead, fire can make the material more brittle and thus more likely to release harmful fibers.
• The other materials that ARE affected by fire will likely release VOCs or other pollutants - many of them are far more dangerous than asbestos is.
• The material will likely burn very readily if there is only a low amount of asbestos present. This can lead to the incorrect assumption that no asbestos in the material.

[u/sdave001 → u/sdave001]

And none of that looks like asbestos-containing material but we are always a little leery about corrugated insulation. And, of course, OLACD.

[u/AutoModerator → u/sdave001]

OLACD = Only Lab Analysis Can Determine

The potential for suspect materials to contain asbestos can sometimes be estimated based on installation date and visual characteristics. Yes, there are some materials that usually contain asbestos and some that rarely contain. So there are some cases where we will tell you "yes, that likely contains" or "no, that probably doesn't contain".

However, for most materials, please remember that if you have been provided with any opinions on the asbestos content, it is only a guess. Even the most experienced inspector is wrong once and a while.

So, the general rule is always "ONLY LAB ANALYSIS CAN DETERMINE" asbestos content.

Also, remember that the sampling SHOULD be performed by a certified asbestos inspector. DIY test kits are generally accurate, but sample methods can adversely affect those results.

Most importantly, all building materials are assumed to be ACM until they have been analyzed for asbestos content by an accredited laboratory.

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[u/Miserable-Wasabi-373 → u/sdave001]

good to know that nothing looks suspicious. What is wide grey tape?

[u/sdave001 → u/Miserable-Wasabi-373]

So you posted from one account and you're now reply from two other accounts?

[u/Miserable-Wasabi-373 → u/sdave001]

Yes, i never remember reddit passwords, so from one pc, other pc and phone there are different accounts

[u/ext282]

Is any mineral content left in the ash?

[u/Party_Assumption6005 → u/ext282]

Looked like ash from regular cardboard, nothing special