Opening up victorian fireplace

[Sanuelodog]

Hi all, about to open up fireplace that has been bricked up since nce 1980s likely. I have removed one brick, there is lots of sooty rubble on the other side, as high as the fireplace itself.
I'm getting this tested for asbestos before removing it all.
My question is, are there any health concerns with opening up this chimney? It smells quite damp in there. I'll put a non functioning fireplace in the recess, and add a lintel, but will tgus bring potential nasties into the room? Thanks

 

[Lacan07]

Hi all, about to open up fireplace that has been bricked up since nce 1980s likely. I have removed one brick, there is lots of sooty rubble on the other side, as high as the fireplace itself.
I'm getting this tested for asbestos before removing it all.
My question is, are there any health concerns with opening up this chimney? It smells quite damp in there. I'll put a non functioning fireplace in the recess, and add a lintel, but will tgus bring potential nasties into the room? Thanks

No, you'll be fine imo. Unlikely to be asbestos in there I would have thought?

What is the state of the chimney, is it open or capped? Inserting an air brick in the flue and loft level will hugely reduce up draft.

 

[Sanuelodog]

No, you'll be fine imo. Unlikely to be asbestos in there I would have thought?

What is the state of the chimney, is it open or capped? Inserting an air brick in the flue and loft level will hugely reduce up draft.

What is an up draft? The chimney is capped. Thanks