Asbestos was previously used due to its unique properties, which made it a good material for construction. Unfortunately, we now know that asbestos has the potential to significantly impact the health of those exposed to the material in a form which can be breathed in, such as asbestos dust or loose asbestos fibres.
Properties built from 2000 are highly unlikely to contain asbestos materials, as asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999, but for properties build prior to this date, it should be presumed that the construction materials contain asbestos, unless confirmed otherwise through testing.
Why asbestos may be a problem
Asbestos, when managed correctly, will not present any additional risk. Where asbestos materials age, are damaged or become disturbed, they can then release fibres into the air. Once released, fibres can be breathed into the lungs, where they can become trapped deep in the lung tissue, where over time they can lead to lung disease, asbestosis and mesothelioma (cancer).
All works carried out in a Council property will have an appropriate asbestos survey report carried out prior to any works starting. Where required, materials containing asbestos will be removed to allow the works to be carried out safely.
People who have come into contact with disturbed asbestos, either through the course of their work, or while at home are most likely to be affected. Where managed correctly, the risk is minimal.
Where asbestos can be found
Building materials containing asbestos were used in construction until 2000. In properties built after this, it is safe to assume that there was no asbestos used in the construction of the property.
It is not always easy to tell whether a product contains asbestos, as modern asbestos free materials often look similar.
Remember, if in doubt, contact us to confirm if you suspect the presence of asbestos prior to carrying out any works likely to disturb the material such as:
- cutting
- sanding
- breaking
- drilling
Types of asbestos materials
Asbestos was used in a range of construction materials prior to the discovery of its harmful impacts to health. A list of materials which may potentially contain asbestos has been provided below.
Important: Please note that this does not list all potential materials which may contain asbestos and if you suspect asbestos is present contact us for further advice before carrying out work that could disturb the material:
- decorative coatings (Artex)
- insulating board (AIB) – places it is likely to be found, such as around cookers and electrical cupboards
- lagging around pipes
- sprayed roof insulation
- asbestos-cement products – such as external pipes, roof panels, barge boards and under cloaks
- plastic floor tiles and adhesives
- cushion flooring
- roofing felts
- tapes
- ropes
- heating systems such as:
- warm air heating systems
- electric storage heaters (up to 1976)
- flameless catalytic heaters (up to 1988)
- early ‘coal effect’ gas fires
- felts and blankets
- seals on older cooker doors
- other building materials and products
Different asbestos containing materials will contain various levels of asbestos, and may be a higher risk than other materials. For example, AIB board can contain between 20 to 45% asbestos, while some vinyl floor tiles usually don’t contain more than 1% asbestos.
Some other materials, such as decorative coatings (artex) and roof felts are non-homogenous, and therefore some areas of the material may not contain asbestos fibres while other areas do.
Asbestos materials in good condition that cannot readily be removed without causing damage or being easily disturbed are best left where they are.
Home improvements or maintenance
Asbestos materials that are disturbed, damaged or deteriorating can release fibres. This can occur when undertaking repairs or renovations to the property which disturb the fabric of the building containing asbestos, for example when:
- cutting
- drilling
- breaking
- sanding
DIY home improvements
If you are planning any DIY home improvements, for example drilling into a wall or removing floor tiles to replace a floor covering, contact us before you start the work if you suspect that the work you are planning may disturb asbestos.
Council maintenance
In all properties constructed after 2000, any areas of your home in which we will be carrying out works which may disturb asbestos, for example a kitchen or bathroom replacement, will be surveyed for asbestos prior to any work starting.
Where required, materials will be removed by an appointed licenced contractor with arrangements to do this safely communicated to the occupant of the property.
Points to remember
If you have any concerns about asbestos in your home contact us for further advice. If you are planning to carry out any home improvement works which involve potentially disturbing materials which could contain asbestos, seek advice before you start the work.
If there is unanticipated damage to materials which could contain asbestos, such as a ceiling collapse, exit the room, close the door and contact us. Do not re-enter the room until it has confirmed that it is safe to do so.