What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been a popular building material since the 1950s. It is used as an insulator (to keep in heat and keep out cold), has good fire protection properties and protects against corrosion.
Because asbestos is often mixed with another material, it’s hard to know if you’re working with it or not. But, if you work in a building built before the year 2000, it’s likely that some parts of the building will contain asbestos.
Asbestos is found in many products used in buildings, including ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers and sprayed coatings.
What is the Danger?
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and by the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal.
Asbestos-related lung cancer
Asbestos-related lung cancer is the same as (looks the same as) lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes. It is estimated that there is around one lung cancer for every mesothelioma death.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious scarring condition of the lung that normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over many years. This condition can cause progressive shortness of breath, and in severe cases can be fatal.
Pleural thickening
Pleural thickening is generally a problem that happens after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed, and can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
Where might I find Asbestos in my Home?
Asbestos in The Home
1. Water Tank:
Is usually made of asbestos cement and is often found in older properties (pre 1980)
2. Pipe Lagging:
Asbestos insulation on pipes. Used to keep heat in or cold out. Often painted over or protected by outer coating so not obviously asbestos.
3. Property Insulation:
Loose asbestos can be found as insulation in wall and floor cavities and in lofts.
4. Textured coating (eg Artex):
Can be found throughout property on ceilings and sometimes walls.
5. Soffit Board (roof overhang):
Soffit board sits behind fascia at eaves level. Board can be made from asbestos cement or asbestos insulating board.
6. Toilet cistern:
Toilet cisterns can contain asbestos-reinforced resin composite materials.
7. Wall Panelling:
Asbestos can be found as external wall cladding and as internal wall panelling both particularly around windows.
8. Fuse box:
Often found in hall or under stairs. Each fuse wire has an individual asbestos flash guard. Panel behind fuse box can be asbestos.
9. Heater Cupboard:
Heater cupboard around domestic boiler often contains asbestos insulating board.
10. Floor tiles:
Vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles can contain asbestos. The tile backing may also contain asbestos paper.
11. Rainwater items:
Roof gutters and down pipes can often be made of asbestos cement.
12. Garage and Shed:
Garages and sheds are often built and roofed using corrugated asbestos cement sheets
‘Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0’.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not possible to positively identify asbestos just by looking at it, touching it, smelling it or even tasting it!
(Please Note: Bulk sampling of asbestos is potentially hazardous and ideally should be undertaken by trained individuals only. It is recommended that all protective clothing provided is worn and that guidelines are followed at all times.)
I think I have Asbestos in my Home – What Should I do next?
- Don’t Panic and leave the asbestos alone. It will be safe unless it is disturbed or damaged.
- Never use any power tools on asbestos materials – don’t sand, drill or saw them.
- You should seek professional advice if you are considering any asbestos removal work
- Never attempt to remove asbestos lagging, sprayed coatings or asbestos insulation board
- These materials are hazardous to health and can only be safely removed by Licensed Contractors
- If you want to identify the type of asbestos you have in your home, our Asbestos Testing kits are a safe and economical way to identify any asbestos you suspect you may have
Our Asbestos Testing kits provide the same level of Personal Protection as used by a Professional Surveyor
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