Asbestos in wooden doors?

Hi! I'm wondering if a wooden, bedroom door built in the 1920's would contain asbestos. Any thoughts? We need to cut into it to add a new door handle. Thank you!
Wooden door, built 1920's.
  10 answers
  • Kathy H Kathy H on Jan 21, 2015
    It may have lead paint. But if you have concern get paint tested.
  • Stacy | BlakeHillHouse Stacy | BlakeHillHouse on Jan 21, 2015
    Lead paint would be an issue. You can buy a little test at a big box store such as Lowes or Home Depot. Honestly, I would not even test. I would just assume lead paint. Your project would be fine though. Wear protection, and keep the door wet with a spray bottle. While one of you cuts the hole, the other can spritz it to keep the dust wet and mushy. Wipe it all up, and you are on your way. If you have kids or pets, keep them away from your project until it is cleaned up 100%.
  • Tim D. (The Retro Den) Tim D. (The Retro Den) on Jan 21, 2015
    Asbestos in an insulator... never know to have been used on interior or exterior doors? Why would you suspect asbestos? lead maybe as Kathy pointed out but asbestos? Even particle wood doors made today don't contain asbestos...
  • Rosemary Kelly Rosemary Kelly on Jan 21, 2015
    Probably not. Asbestos was usually wrapped around pipes in the 20s. You can see it. It's white and fuzzy looking, almost like fiber glass.
  • Lucid Designs Lucid Designs on Jan 21, 2015
    Like Tim said... There's no chance that there is asbestos in your solid wooden doors. Lead paint is the only thing to be weary about, but since you're just cutting a new hole, using a protective mask while cutting the hole outside will be more than enough to keep you safe.
  • Ellen DeVilbiss Ellen DeVilbiss on Jan 21, 2015
    That door is not going to have an asbestos issue as it will be solid wood, not hollow ore like today. Lead paint is a bigger worry for it. You are more likely to have asbestos as floor tile or insulating pipes. Because it is fireproof, it is used in places where heat transfer is an issue.
  • OnBlissStreet OnBlissStreet on Jan 21, 2015
    The only thing I would worry about is if there is lead paint in any of the layers.
  • MBLori MBLori on Jan 21, 2015
    Probably not asbestos, probably lead. Get a test kit from hardware store and you'll know in a few minutes
  • Trae Governatori Trae Governatori on Jan 22, 2015
    Thank you everyone!
  • Jo Jo on Jan 25, 2015
    Why are you replacing the door knob? You can get replacement parts, both new or second-hand, that would be so much easier and look better in your home.