Asbestos is a generic term for many types of naturally occurring minerals that
form strong, flexible rope-like crystals. They have exceptional insulating
properties and resistance to heat, electricity and chemicals.
Forms of asbestos have been used for centuries, but it is from the late 1800s to the 1980s that it has been used extensively across the world as a building/insulating material.
History
Asbestos has been used for many centuries for its insulating and fireproof properties.
The Greeks termed asbestos the miracle mineral because of its soft and pliant properties, as well as its ability to withstand heat.
Marco Polo, on his travels in ancient China, was amazed by garments that were cleaned by throwing them in fire. Egyptians used it to wrap it around the pharaohs’ bodies to stop them decomposing.
Health Risks
Although asbestos is a strong material, the crystals it is made from are fragile.
They can break into smaller and smaller needle like fragments that are so
small, if airborne, they can lodge in the lungs and digestive tract.
The more exposure to asbestos you have, the more likely this is to happen. Over many years, tissue forms around the trapped fibres, leading to lung diseases and cancers.
Exposure to asbestos can cause three main diseases:
Asbestosis: irreversible scarring of the lungs that causes breathing
problems.
Lung cancer: which is 35 times more likely if you also smoke.
Mesothelioma: a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs or stomach.
It can take years, even decades, to develop cancer. There is no cure.
Why is is used if its so dangerous?
Asbestos is an incredible material. It is resistant to fire, chemicals, salt water,
noise, frost, corrosion, even vermin. It was used extensively for most of the
twentieth century because it was so useful but the risks were not understood.
Because the diseases it causes take years to develop, the true scale of the
problem was only realised until years later many people became ill.
It was banned in the European Union and most of the Western world in the
mid eighties, and the most recent law in Britain, The Control of Asbestos Act
was introduced in 2006 bringing together all previous legislation on asbestos.
For more information see our pages on The Law.
Affected Premises
Asbestos was used most heavily in buildings constructed between the 1940s right up to 1999 when it was banned in the UK. But even older buildings that were renovated or repaired during this time may contain asbestos material.
Asbestos can be found in all types of buildings:
Houses, flats and residential developments
Offices, factories and commercial buildings
Hotels, shops, sports and leisure facilities
Schools, hospitals, care homes, colleges
So assume anywhere may contain asbestos, and that's why expert surveying is so important. In many cases, asbestos is safe where it is, but if you have any concerns, read more about it on our website or contact us.
Where is it Found?
Asbestos was used widely in construction and insulation throughout the last
century. It takes many forms; some are more hazardous than others.
Although all asbestos is dangerous, blue and brown (amphibole) asbestos are more toxic than white (chrysotile). But colour can not be used as a guide as many asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are painted, dyed and bonded with other products.
Almost any building that was constructed or refurbished between the 1940s and 1980s is likely to contain asbestos. Many of our homes built over 10 years ago contain asbestos. We should all be aware of the risks, especially drilling holes, putting up shelves, repairing roofs or general DIY.
Surveys are increasingly being requested when buying or selling homes, often by insurers and mortgage companies especially if there are plans to renovate the property. And we all want to protect our families in their own home.
If you are worried about asbestos in your home, or are buying an older property that you think may contain asbestos, contact us for a quotation to survey it.
The laws refer to non-domestic property, such as factories, warehouses, shops, hotels, etc. and common areas of multiple residences, such as halls and corridors in flats or sheltered housing.
If you are a landlord, owner or manager of any of these types of property, contact us for more information.
If you want more information about property and your duties, see our pages on Your Responsibilities
Those at the highest risk are building and maintenance workers who have had regular exposure to asbestos during their working life. The most hazardous professions are:
Builders
Plumbers
Electricians
Roofers
Joiners
Demolition workers
Pipe fitters
Metal plate workers
Other construction trades and labourers
But the risk comes from frequency and length of exposure to asbestos, so it doesn’t mean everyone in these professions is at high risk.
If you are a tradesman and worried about your risks contact us.
Plates And Boards
Wall panels, ceiling tiles, soffits, fire door panels, lift shaft linings, window ledges may all be made from asbestos boards. They are difficult to identify as they look just like non-asbestos products. They are safe provided they are not disturbed. Extreme caution should be used if drilling holes, sawing or removing panels as the particles are easily released. If you are concerned about asbestos boards and panels, contact us.
