This section is dedicated to Householders in the UK and should fully explain about what  domestic asbestos is, where it can be found in the home, the potential problems it may bring and how best to deal with it.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral of which there are three main types -

1. Chrysotile - often referred to as ‘white’ asbestos.
2. Amosite - often referred to as ‘brown’ asbestos.
3. Crocidolite - often referred to as ‘blue’ asbestos.

Health Risks

Asbestos products which are in good sound condition do not pose a serious danger. However, asbestos products which are damaged or worn do pose a risk of exposure as they can release fibres into the air.

The more dust that a person is exposed to the greater the risk - the fibres can be inhaled and penetrate into the depths of the lungs where they can not be broken down and will remain for many years causing possible damage. Should very high levels of asbestos fibres be inhaled then there is a significant risk of lung diseases and cancers.

It is therefore of paramount importance that asbestos products are always handled carefully.

Where could Asbestos be Found in a Domestic Property?

Several building materials / products were extensively utilised from the 1930′ to the 1980’s. With the most prolific use being from the 1960’s. Therefore it can be expected that any properties built or modernised during this time frame may well contain asbestos products.

Asbestos was used because of its fantastic heat resistant and thermal properties.

It is not always easy to tell whether a product contains asbestos as many modern non-asbestos products can often appear similar - it is normally only older products which may contain asbestos.

Detailed below are various applications of asbestos which you may find in your property: -

Product	Typical Asbestos Content	Description
Insulation Board	20-45%	Insulation board was predominantly used as a fire protection barrier and for heat and sound insulation. It was mostly installed during the 1960’s to 1970’s. It can be found in ducts, infill panels, ceiling tiles, wall lining, bath panels and partitions. If your property was constructed after 1982 then it is unlikely to contain these products.
Asbestos Insulation (Lagging)	55-100%	This was most commonly used for the thermal insulation of pipes and boilers. It was predominantly installed in public buildings and system built flats again during the 1960’s to 1970’s commonly in areas such as boiler houses and heating plants. It should be noted that asbestos insulation is not frequently found in homes built after the 1975 although it was not banned until 1986. However, the use of asbestos insulation is more common in larger properties.
Sprayed Coatings	<85%	This product was commonly use for the fire protection of structural steel and are commonly found in system built flats during the 1960’s. The coatings were mainly applied around the core of the building such as service ducts and lift shafts etc.
Asbestos Cement	10-15% (Older Products up to 40%)	This is the most widely used asbestos material. It can be most commonly found forming domestic sheds and garages, used for roofing and wall cladding. It can be found in flat sheets and partition boards for linings to walls and ceilings, in bath panels, soffit boards, fire surrounds, flue pipes, cold water tanks and as roofing tiles and slates. It has been commonly used as roofing and cladding for garages and sheds and also in guttering and drainpipes. Asbestos cement products are unlikely to release high levels of fibres because of the way they are made, unless they are subject to extreme abrasion. Damage from weathering may also release a small amount of fibres.
Textured Coatings	Trace	Asbestos containing decorative coatings and plasters can be found in many properties applied to the ceilings and walls; this was most likely to have been applied in properties during the 1960′ and 1970’s. These coatings are sometimes referred to as artex.

Other products / equipment which may contain asbestos: -

• Plastic Floor Tiles
• Cushion Flooring
• Roofing Felts
• Tapes
• Ropes
• Felts & Blankets
• Warm Air Heaters
• Electric Storage Heaters
• Oven Gloves
• Ironing Boards
• Sinkpads
• Cooker Doors
• Fire Blankets
• Brake Linings & Brake Pads

REMEMBER, ASBESTOS CONTAINING PRODUCTS CAN LOOK VERY SIMILAR TO THOSE NOT CONTAINING ASBESTOS - IF IN DOUBT CONTACT US.

What to do If I Suspect I May Have an Asbestos in My Property?

It should be noted that asbestos in good condition which is not likely to be disturbed are often best left in situ as the removal of the product can lead to higher levels of fibres in the air for some time. However, if you decide to leave the product in situ then you must monitor its condition regularly.

If you are planning home improvements or maintenance and have asbestos in your home, always inform builders, maintenance workers or contractors before they start work.

Damaged Materials: -

• Minimal Damage: Materials which are slightly damaged could probably be repaired by sealing or enclosing the material, however, you must seek professional advise before taking any action - don’t hesitate to contact NIC for advice.
• Significant Damage: Asbestos materials which are badly damaged have the potential to release dust must be removed. Some asbestos materials (sprayed asbestos, lagging or insulating boards) must also be removed by licensed contractors such as Northern Insulation Contractors. Your local environmental health officer should also be able to provide advice on asbestos removal and licensed contractors.

Remember - if you remove asbestos which has been installed to offer fire protection then you must ensure that once the asbestos has been removed that a suitable non-asbestos equivalent is reinstatement - NIC can offer you advice on suitable replacement products available.

Important Points to Remember

• ALWAYS avoid disturbing or damaging asbestos materials in good condition.
• If you have damaged or deteriorating asbestos materials in your property then SEEK ADVICE from NIC.
• Do not keep using oven gloves or other small items containing asbestos - dispose of them safely (refer to disposal below).

If you think that your warm air heating system, electrical storage heating system or flameless catalytic gas heater may container asbestos then SEEK ADVICE from your local gas or electricity supplier. If they do contain asbestos, do not attempt to dismantle these appliances yourself but seek advice from your local council.

How Should Asbestos Be Disposed Of?

Asbestos is classified as hazardous waste and as such you have a duty of care to dispose of this correctly. In some cases your local council will dispose of the waste for you free of charge - to find out further information please contact your local council.

NIC can assist in the removal and disposal of asbestos - please call for free advice.

The enforcing authority responsible for asbestos waste is the Environment Agency. They can be contacted on their helpline number 0845 9333 111 or at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES OR IF YOU REQUIRE ANY ADVICE PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.