What is the risk from asbestos?

The risk associated with exposure to asbestos relates to the possibility that the fibres within the asbestos containing material (ACM) can become released into the air and are then inhaled. Breathing in air containing asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases including asbestosis, asbestos related lung cancer and mesothelioma. These diseases will not occur immediately and can take from 15 – 60 years to develop.

Is asbestos banned?

It is now prohibited to use, re-use, sell or supply asbestos or asbestos containing materials or products. However products or materials containing asbestos, which were already installed or in service prior to the prohibition, may remain in place until they are disposed of or reach the end of their service life. As a result, there is still potential for exposure to asbestos in a variety of workplaces (including domestic properties undergoing refurbishment) due to the large quantities of asbestos and ACM’s which were used in buildings in the past.

Is asbestos banned?

It is now prohibited to use, re-use, sell or supply asbestos or asbestos containing materials or products. However products or materials containing asbestos, which were already installed or in service prior to the prohibition, may remain in place until they are disposed of or reach the end of their service life. As a result, there is still potential for exposure to asbestos in a variety of workplaces (including domestic properties undergoing refurbishment) due to the large quantities of asbestos and ACM’s which were used in buildings in the past.

Where is asbestos found?

Asbestos can be found in any industrial, commercial, public or residential building built or refurbished before the year 2000. Asbestos was widely used in a large variety of construction materials for a number of purposes e.g. flooring, walls, ceiling, roofs, heating systems and equipment.

A detailed survey will be required to identify where asbestos is present in your building. An asbestos survey must be carried out by a competent person. It is most commonly found in corrugated roof sheeting, vinyl floor tiles, pipe insulation and walls & ceiling boards were it was deemed necessary to provide fire protection.

Where is asbestos disposed of?

After careful and appropriate packaging, asbestos waste it is transported through a local transfer station to licensed waste facilities in Continental Europe, mainly Germany and Sweden.