Asbestos Rope used in Stove/Range, is it safe?

emeraldeye

Hi, I recently had a stove cleaned and while it was cleaned it was suggested that the rope around the hotplate needed replacing; I agreed and the man came back to fit it.

He also fitted a cowel to my chimney and gave me a receipt for the parts; on the receipt I noticed that it listed Asbestos Rope.

This got my slightly concerned as I thought asbestos is generally regarded as a dangerous material; so I'm wondering… should I be worried?

I think I could replace the rope again myself; I've read there are alternative materials.

The stove is a Stanley Super Star (AKA Donard), probably from the '90s so perhaps it already has asbestos rope around the doors etc?

Thanks for any help/advice anyone can offer.

coylemj

Asbestos is only dangerous if it becomes airborne as dust and is inhaled. So if it's in a stable state (not likely to physically disintegrate) and not subject to friction which would cause it to shed dust, it's perfectly safe to have around the place.

It is not chemically poisonous or corrosive - it won't affect the skin on contact and it will not contaminate food. It can only harm you if asbestos dust gets into your lungs.

emeraldeye

coylemj wrote: »

Asbestos is only dangerous if it becomes airborne as dust and is inhaled. So if it's in a stable state (not likely to physically disintegrate) and not subject to friction which would cause it to shed dust, it's perfectly safe to have around the place.

It is not chemically poisonous or corrosive - it won't affect the skin on contact and it will not contaminate food. It can only harm you if asbestos dust gets into your lungs.

Thanks, being part of a stove worries me a little as the smoke and heat can make particles airborne; the rope was also cut to a length.

I wonder if there is somewhere that can replace all the rope with a safer type?

colm_mcm

The old rope would probably have been the same stuff. Personally I think you're overthinking this. This rope is designed for the purpose you're using it for.

emeraldeye

colm_mcm wrote: »

The old rope would probably have been the same stuff. Personally I think you're overthinking this. This rope is designed for the purpose you're using it for.

Thanks I thought the same thing, but my Wife started worrying and then passing that on to me

I've read all sorts of worrying stuff online aswell so it's a case of flapping around :rolleyes:

I suppose if it's cheap to have it all replaced I may go ahead for some piece of mind. Otherwise perhaps leave as is.

colm_mcm

Just take on board what coylemj is saying. Smoke alarms have radioactive material in them so don't eat one.

coylemj

emeraldeye wrote: »

I've read all sorts of worrying stuff online aswell so it's a case of flapping around :rolleyes:

The more you read, the more you worry. The only material that will register will be the negative stuff.

The only thing that you have to worry about is if you get an amateur to remove the asbestos in which case you probably will end up inhaling the dust when they do a botched job of it. The professionals will come with protective clothing and you will pay dearly for their service. Just leave it where it is.