Summary
The image shows the interior of a ruined building with severely damaged walls and a floor covered in broken plaster and masonry debris. The crumbling plaster and fragmented debris are suspect materials with a moderate probability of containing asbestos, and their friable condition presents a significant risk. It is strongly recommended to avoid the area and have a professional collect samples for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos.
Object description
The image displays the interior of a severely dilapidated room. The walls are crumbling, with large sections of plaster or render cracked and falling away, exposing the substrate beneath. The floor is completely covered with large, irregular blocks of broken masonry, concrete, and plaster, heavily weathered and covered in moss or grime. Three window openings are visible, showing a landscape outside, indicating the structure is in ruins.
Object location
Coordinates:
38°35'44.23"N, 28°36'10.26"W
City/Country: Ribeirinha, Portugal
Full Address: Farol da Ribeirinha, Ribeirinha, Horta, Açores, 9900-491, Portugal
Asbestos Assessment
The materials of primary concern in this image are the wall surfacing materials (plaster, stucco) and the resulting debris covering the floor. These materials appear to be cementitious or plaster-based. In buildings of a certain age, asbestos was commonly added to such mixtures to provide reinforcement, fire resistance, and insulation. The state of extreme disrepair means these materials are highly friable, broken, and disturbed, creating a high potential for airborne asbestos fibers if they are present. Based on visual characteristics alone, it is not possible to confirm or deny the presence of asbestos. Plasters and fillers are identified as suspect materials where asbestos fibers are typically not visible to the naked eye. The probability of asbestos content is considered moderate due to the common historical use in these applications. The critical factor is the material's condition; its complete degradation poses a significant health risk should it contain asbestos.
Recommended action
Given the hazardous condition and the potential for asbestos-containing materials, this area should be treated as contaminated until proven otherwise. Untrained individuals should not enter the area. A certified asbestos professional should be contracted to conduct a thorough inspection and collect bulk samples of the plaster and debris for analysis by an accredited laboratory. No attempts at cleaning or removal should be made without proper containment and professional guidance.
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Direct Link: https://my.asbestos.help/r/b3f48b6a-830d-4424-ac33-864b42db53ab
Quick Code: 3U75J (https://my.asbestos.help/c/3U75J)
