5. Asbestos
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What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which can be found in rocks all over the world. Asbestos fibres are strong, flexible and have excellent fire proofing and insulating qualities.
Background
Asbestos was commonly added to building materials because of these qualities. Most homes built between 1930s and 1990s feature some building products with Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). Its use in the construction industry was finally banned in the UK in 1999.
If your home was built after this date, it is very unlikely to contain asbestos.
The three types of asbestos used in the UK were:
- Amosite (Brown asbestos)
- Chrysotile (White asbestos)
- Crocidolite (Blue asbestos)
You can’t tell a material contains asbestos with the naked eye which is why samples are examined under a microscope at a laboratory. If you’re not sure if a material contains asbestos, ; contact us and we can advise.
Where asbestos could be located within residential properties (This diagram/list is not exhaustive).
If you need to dispose of old items in your home such as cookers that you suspect contain asbestos, please contact your local authority for details on how to remove and dispose of such items.
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are generally safe if the material is not damaged, and the fibres aren’t disturbed.
I think I've found damaged asbestos, what do I do?
- Do not attempt to clean it up or repair it yourself
- Do not brush or vacuum as this will spread the fibres into the air
- contact us for advice.
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