Freedom of information response

Asbestos containing material (ACM) is still common place in may materials in homes across the UK, asbestos fibres were still being used in some textured coating up to 2000 therefore, it is still commonly found in decorative finishes such as artex that has previously been is applied to walls and ceilings in homes including the tower blocks in Chadwell St Mary. However, not all finishes or materials even before 2000 contained asbestos and therefore it is not possible to give a universal response to the question posed.

ACM left undamaged / undisturbed poses not risk, if anyone becomes aware of damaged ceiling coatings such as artex they must report this to the repairs service so it can be assessed and appropriate remedial works undertaken. The only way to know is a specific material contains asbestos fibres is to take a sample and to have this tested in a laboratory, it is possible that even if one room within a home is confirmed as having asbestos fibres present in the ceiling covering, this does not automatically confirm that all coverings within the same household do.

Therefore, where works are required in residents homes the operatives of whom are all trained in asbestos awareness will make a judgement on necessary precautions that need to be taken in regards to asbestos, if works are required to ACM, specialist contractors are employed to do this safely to protect themselves and the residents.