Asbestos was frequently used in building work from the 1860s until it was banned outright in the UK in 1999.
It is a fibrous natural mineral. In the past it was added to a variety of products for strength, fireproofing and insulation, and to reduce noise.
Materials which contain asbestos but which are in good condition will not release asbestos fibres.
There is no danger unless the fibres are released and breathed into the lungs.
Most asbestos in housing is low risk and unlikely to harm your health.
Is there asbestos in my home?
Asbestos can be found in most homes build before the late 1990s. Materials containing asbestos cannot be identified simply by looking at them.
If you don’t know whether something contains asbestos, phone us on 0121 717 151 and we will be able to check our register.
Here are some common areas you may find asbestos in your home:
- Boiler flues
- Pipe joints
- Garage roofs
- Gas appliances
- Insulation
- Exterior window panel
- Partition walls
- Bath panels
- Water tanks
- Ceiling tiles
- Airing cupboard
- Floor tiles
Living with asbestos
Treat asbestos with respect and make sure you avoid damaging asbestos material in your home.
Do:
- Contact us if you want to carry out any DIY work to your home that might affect materials which contain asbestos.
- Only a trained specialist contractor can remove the material. If material containing asbestos is damaged, it may need to be removed or sealed. We will arrange any work to do this.
Don’t:
- Don’t panic. Material containing asbestos is only a problem if it’s disturbed.
- Don’t drill, sand, cut, or in any way disturb an area which is known to (or may) contain asbestos.
- Don’t use power tools on materials containing asbestos.
- Don’t remove or disturb the material.
- Don’t break the materials because this releases the small fibres into the atmosphere.
- Don’t move material containing asbestos.
