ASBESTOS - AN INTRODUCTION

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a generic term given to several naturally-occurring silicate minerals. The most common forms are; Chrysotile (White), Crocidolite (Blue) and Amosite (Brown). The asbestos (prohibition) regulations 1999 has banned the new use of all forms of asbestos..

The use of asbestos declined steadily from the 1960s and only Chrysotile can now be used. However it is likely that its use will also be banned in the near future.

Although numerous buildings have been stripped of asbestos and safer materials used as replacements, most of the asbestos ever used is still in place, and often its existence remains undetected.

Asbestos materials
A combination of properties, including heat resistance, mechanical strength, chemical inertness and its ability to be easily woven into fabrics and other materials, made asbestos a suitable constituent of many materials, including:

• Thermal insulation - lagging of pipes, boilers etc.

• Sprayed coatings for fire protection and thermal insulation.

• Insulation boards for both fire protection and thermal and acoustic insulation.

• Ropes and yarns used in heat seals and electric cables.

• Asbestos-cement used in wall cladding, partitions, roofing sheets, guttering, fencing, ventilators and ducts.

• Asbestos-bitumen products including roofing felt and flashing, gutter linings and damp-proofing.

Domestic Appliances
Asbestos can also be found in many household objects, for example:

• Elements, brake pads and heat seals in many electric heaters, irons, hairdryers, washing machines, refrigerators and freezers

• Insulating boards and heat seals used in many cookers.

When is asbestos a danger?
Asbestos can become a hazard to human health when the individual fibres within the material are allowed to escape into the air. This can happen when the material is broken, sawn, drilled or sanded. Problems occur because the fibres are of such a size and shape that they can be easily inhaled, penetrating the airways and tissues of the lungs quite easily. This generally occurs when the material has fallen into disrepair or is being destroyed or disposed.

Health Effects
There are three principal illnesses that can be linked to exposure to asbestos fibres, namely:

	Asbestosis (scarring of the lung tissue).
	Lung Cancer.
	Mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lung).

 

Under regulation 4 of the CAWR2002 owners of non-doemstic properties are required to manage asbestos in buildings.

What should you do?
If you suspect that your building contains asbestos or you require a pre-demolition or pre-purchase survey to be carried out, you should seek professional advice.

Voelcker Consultants has many years experience in carrying out asbestos surveys in houses, flats offices, factories and public buildings in accordance with MDHS100. All samples taken are analysed in our preferred UKAS accredited laboratory.

If you have any queries about the presence of asbestos materials in your building, please contact us.

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See also:
Uses and Applications of Asbestos
Common Locations of Asbestos in Buildings
Asbestos - Identification