When should I have asbestos removed from my home and is it always dangerous?

If your home was built before the UK asbestos ban in November 1999, it is very likely to contain asbestos. But, it might not be as serious as you think.

Asbestos, which was known as the ‘magic mineral’ boomed onto the market around the 1930’s, when it was very popular in the construction of houses and buildings. It was praised for its availability, cheap price and durability – all while being fire, water and electricity resistant.

It was commonly used in roof tiles, window sills and electrical panels. But, just years later, it was discovered that exposure to this ‘magic’ material could cause serious and life-threatening illnesses such as Mesothelioma and asbestosis.

In 1999 a complete ban was put in place to stop the import, manufacture and use of Asbestos across the UK. But many homes and buildings still stand today, containing asbestos.

We have broken down everything you need to know about asbestos in the home and when you need to remove it.

Asbestos in my home – is it dangerous?

Asbestos is still present in many UK homes, but try not to worry. Asbestos materials are only dangerous if they are damaged or disturbed, causing the toxic fibres to be released into the atmosphere.

If asbestos materials are in good condition, and in a place where they’re unlikely to be disturbed, they shouldn’t cause any harm. It’s only when the materials are damaged or disturbed, releasing fibres, that asbestos can become dangerous.

However, you need to be aware of asbestos if you are carrying out DIY work or renovations in your home if you will disturb or damage the material.

Where will I find asbestos in my home?

Asbestos can be found all over the home including, but particularly in kitchen and bathroom areas. Areas include the following (but this is not exhaustive).

• Roofing
• Ceilings and internal walls
• Gutters
• Toilet seat and cistern
• Eaves
• Fencing
• Flue and water pipes
• Fireplaces
• Behind tiles
• Flooring underlay

How do I remove it from my home?

Asbestos materials must be removed and disposed of in the correct manner. If you believe the asbestos will be disturbed in the home, you will need a trained specialist to remove it.

You must never try to remove asbestos yourself, as a specialist will be trained and have the correct equipment to remove it safely. And if you encounter asbestos in your home, you must isolate it but not touch it.

A list of qualified asbestos removal contractors is available from the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association.

Risks to be aware of

If you disturb or touch asbestos, you and those around you could be at risk of developing a serious illness. Disturbed asbestos can cause those close by to breathe in the fibres and particles, the risk of developing diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer and pleural thickening

Asbestos-related illnesses usually develop over a period of time due to prolonged exposure, but asbestos is hard to identify (with fibres about 10 times smaller than the width of a human hair), it is highly likely that these particles will remain in your home if you do attempt to remove it yourself.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos comes from mines across the world including Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil and China. The naturally occurring mineral is made up of heat-resistant fibres and there are three main types commonly found in the UK – brown, white and blue.

Between the 1930s and the 1980s, it was mixed into cement, roofing felt, texture walls, ceiling coverings and floor tiles, and used on roofs, gutters and window seals and to lag or insulate boilers and pipes.

Symptoms of asbestos exposure

According to the NHS, symptoms of asbestos exposure include the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Pain in your chest or shoulder
• In more advanced cases, clubbed (swollen) fingertips

However, it can take 20 to 30 years after being exposed to asbestos before symptoms appear, and sometimes there are no symptoms.

Further reading

Mesothelioma/Asbestos-related claims – Oakwood Solicitors

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