Lath and plaster construction from the 1930s might contain asbestos, or it might not. It could have animal hair mixed into the plaster, instead. The only way to know whether a particular installation contains asbestos is to have a sample collected by a qualified technician and analysed by a qualified laboratory.
Yes, fix it to the studs, NOT the lath
Sand
Asbestos used to be used in the plaster mix to help strengthen the plaster. So if you are ever renovating an old pool with plaster it is best to have it tested for Asbestos.
Generally, animal hair in plaster is much more easily seen than asbestos fibers. But the only way to know for certain is to have the plaster tested in a qualified laboratory.
No. Horsehair was replaced as a strengthening additive in plaster by asbestos. Where one was used the other was not needed. However, the only way to know for certain whether asbestos was used in a plaster is to have a piece of it analyzed in a lab by a qualified technician.
lath and mortar walls and ceilings have a greater flexibility than standard plaster. If you do plaster over it you firstly need to be very confident that the old mortar is sound and fully adhered to the lath. You would also have to seal the ceiling well to stop the water in the plaster from literally being sucked out of the plaster. Regarding tiles. If you are thing about ceramic tile then NO!. The weight of the tiles would pull the mortar from the lath with great ease. It is defiantly better to either plasterboard directly to the old ceiling and using dry wall screws NOT NAILS screw directly to the joist not the late you can then put a good scrim tale over the joints and plaster accordingly. The very best option however, is ...............drop the old ceiling, re-board and plaster
Plaster that is seen to be fibrous might contain asbestos, depending on when it was put in place. The only way to be certain is to have a sample collected and analyzed by a qualified laboratory.
Squirt on vinegar and water (1:1 mix) with a squirtbottle and leave overnight.
They may. Asbestos was widely used as a building product until about the 1980s. Uses included insulation of pipes, floor tiles, in plaster, drywall, caulking, etc. The only way to be certain about any particular home is to have it surveyed and tested.
A keyhole saw.
Yes, asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as plaster 50 years ago. If you suspect asbestos in your home, it's best to have it tested by a professional and, if found, consider appropriate removal or encapsulation measures to prevent exposure and health risks.
It is quicker and cheaper than lath and plaster, takes paint well, and can come in several finishes to resist moisture.