Asbestos is a dangerous material lurking in buildings older than the year 2000.
Once hailed for its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties, its harmful health are now widely known.
We’re here to explain the risks associated with asbestos and guide you on how to stay safe in your property.
We’ll cover:
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, and it was the go-to material for builders and manufacturers. They used it to help with fireproofing, insulation, and roofing. It was also used in textiles, cement and sealants.
The durable fibers in asbestos can be woven into materials or mixed with other substances.
Asbestos is harmless when undisturbed, but it starts to become a serious risk when damaged, disturbed or when it deteriorates over time.
When this happens, it releases tiny fibers into the air that when inhaled and cause serious health issues over time.
What does asbestos look like?
Asbestos typically appears as soft, fibrous material with a fluffy or stringy texture, often white, grey, or greenish. It may resemble mineral wool or cotton-like fibers when raw or embedded in materials.
The main types of asbestos found in buildings
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
The most common form, found in roofs, ceilings, and walls.
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
Used in insulation boards and pipe lagging.
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
Found in cement products and some spray coatings.
Where can I find asbestos?
Asbestos might be lurking in places you least expect, in and around your property, including:
Garage roofs and cement panels
Electric storage heater
Old vinyl flooring and adhesives
Water tanks / guttering
Pipe lagging, flues and toilet cisterns
Textured wall coatings (e.g. Artex)
What are the health effects of asbestos?
The health risks of asbestos are serious and can have life-long consequences. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause a variety of diseases.
- Asbestosis – a chronic lung condition causing scarring of lung tissue, making it harder to breathe.
- Mesothelioma – a rare and aggressive cancer, affecting the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen.
- Lung Cancer – from long-term exposure to asbestos.
Remember: Asbestos-related diseases can take years, even decades, to develop, which is why it’s important to address potential asbestos risks in your property as soon as possible.
How can you get exposed to asbestos?
Exposure to asbestos can happen during home renovations, repairs, or the deterioration of older materials. Its fibres are invisible to the naked eye, making it difficult to identify the danger without professional testing and removal.
First-hand asbestos exposure
During DIY renovations, construction and repair work, if you’ve been working with or around asbestos-containing materials.
Second-hand asbestos exposure
Occurs when asbestos fibres are brought into the home on clothing or shoes by someone who has been working with asbestos-containing materials.
Common ways asbestos gets disturbed?
People can disturb asbestos without realising it, often during routine activities or renovations in older buildings.
1. DIY renovations or repairs
- Sanding or scraping textured ceilings or walls (e.g., Artex).
- Removing old floor tiles, linoleum, or adhesives.
- Cutting or drilling into walls, ceilings, or roofing materials that contain asbestos.
2. Construction and demolition work
- Breaking up asbestos cement sheets during demolition.
- Damaging insulation boards or pipe lagging.
- Removing or modifying roofing materials.
3. Home maintenance tasks
- Cleaning or replacing old gutters, soffits, or downpipes made from asbestos cement.
- Working in loft spaces where asbestos insulation is present.
- Cutting or trimming asbestos-containing materials without proper tools or precautions.
4. Accidental damage
- Moving or storing heavy items that accidentally crack or chip asbestos-containing surfaces.
- Unknowingly disturbing materials during plumbing or electrical work.
How to protect yourself from asbestos exposure
Be aware of where asbestos might be found in your property. Older buildings are more likely to contain asbestos, especially those built before the year 2000.
If you suspect asbestos is present, contact a professional for testing and removal. Do not attempt to handle it yourself.
Professional asbestos removal
Our team specialises in non-licensed asbestos removal which includes cement products, floor tiles, and certain textured coatings like Artex.
We do not remove higher-risk materials, such as sprayed coatings, insulation boards, and pipe lagging. This requires specialised contractors with HSE licensing due to the greater potential for fiber release and health hazards.
Avoid disturbing asbestos
If asbestos is undisturbed and in good condition, it poses a minimal risk. However, any damage to asbestos materials increases the potential for harmful fibers to be released. If you plan to renovate or carry out work on your property, make sure to have it checked for asbestos first.
Wear protective gear
If you work with or around asbestos, always wear the proper protective gear, including a properly fitted face mask.
Our team uses specialised suits and equipment to prevent asbestos exposure.
The importance of professional asbestos removal
Asbestos should be removed safely by a professional, so that you and your property are kept safe.
We follow strict safety protocols and ensure that all asbestos waste is disposed of responsibly at licensed facilities.
Don’t take chances with asbestos.