Asbestos is a naturally occurring material made up of fine fibres that was commonly used in construction from the 1950s through to the late 1990s.
Despite being banned, it can still be found in many buildings today, including houses, schools and hospitals. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can pose a serious and potentially deadly risk.
For decades, asbestos was valued for its insulating and fire-resistant properties. As a result, it was used in a wide range of products such as ceiling panels, pipe lagging, boilers, sprayed insulation and garage roofing sheets.
Breathing in airborne asbestos fibres can lead to several severe and often fatal lung conditions. This health risk ultimately led to asbestos being banned in 1999.
Asbestos appears in various forms, colours and textures. The three main types — blue, brown and white — were incorporated into countless construction materials. Because it was frequently mixed with other substances, it isn’t always easy to recognise.
You may encounter asbestos during your work, but if it remains in good condition and is not damaged or disturbed, it does not usually present an immediate danger.
Each type of asbestos requires a specific method of management or removal. The best way to reduce unnecessary risk is to make sure you fully understand what you’re dealing with before starting any work.
Repeated exposure, even at low levels, can still cause serious illnesses later in life. If you’re unsure how to deal with asbestos safely, do not begin work.
For guidance on identifying asbestos, consult the Health and Safety Executive’s online image gallery, which shows examples of common asbestos-containing materials still present in buildings today.
