Opening fireplace in 1950s house

[NigelGresley]

We have a chimney breast which I believe would have originally contained a back boiler with a gas fire.
We’re having the chimney breast opened up, but I was just wondering whether it’s possible any asbestos could be present?
The fireplace people haven’t mentioned anything, but how likely could this be?

I was already worried about all the dust and dirt, but now I’m worried about asbestos too!

It's unlikely there will be asbestos present, but the one thing or six in our case you should look out for is desiccated bird corpses...
We removed the fireplace in ds's room to discover chimneys are actual deathtraps for birds, plus there will be the ton of soot you're expecting.

Never heard of asbestos in a chimney/fireplace though, I wouldn't give it any more thought.

I work in a school which was once a house. A fireplace from about that time period which has since been covered over has a warning sticker saying that it contains asbestos so I’d say you’re right to be worried it’s a possibility. I don’t know who you need to ask for advice though - maybe someone at the council?

Thanks I’d wondered about birds and ancient bird poop!

That’s a worry toomuchhappyland. If we weren’t taking it all out I would be so bothered, but I know the problem is when it’s disturbed.

We’ve had the man from the fireplace shop out, and they have lots of experience, so I’m sure they would have said if it could be a problem but I’m going to check with them anyway.

That’s my understanding, it’s fine if left alone but you don’t want to go poking about in it. Maybe you need a specialist asbestos removal company to advise - I’m sure they’ll have seen this kind of thing before and will have a good idea of the likelihood of it containing it.