Widely adopted as a construction material from the 1950s onwards, asbestos was commonly used in both residential and commercial properties until it was officially banned in 1999. This means that any building constructed or renovated before 2000 may still contain asbestos.
The most common asbestos-containing materials found in homes include:
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Ceiling tiles
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Pipe lagging and insulation
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Boilers
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Sprayed or textured surface coatings
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Asbestos cement sheets
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Panels around windows, radiators and fireplaces
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Soffit boards
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Fire doors
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Pipe gaskets and sealants
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Electrical distribution boxes
Other items that may also contain asbestos are:
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Wall cladding
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Cement flue pipes
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Textiles such as old fire blankets and heat-resistant gloves
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Asbestos paper, often used beneath tiles or inside metal cladding
Loose fill asbestos
Loose fill asbestos was used as insulation in both industrial and domestic buildings. It can be found in cavity walls, beneath floorboards and in lofts. This material has a soft, fluffy texture — similar to candyfloss — and is usually blue-grey or off-white in colour.
This is considered the most hazardous form of asbestos. It consists almost entirely of asbestos fibres and, if disturbed, can release large quantities into the air, where they can be easily inhaled. Under no circumstances should this material be handled unless you are a contractor licensed by the HSE.
If you believe you have come across asbestos, make sure you understand the correct safety procedures before starting any work. Spending just a few minutes assessing the risks could protect your health — and that of your family and friends.
