Common Asbestos Materials

Asbestos was a common building product until the 1970s. Many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos

Exposure to asbestos causes the death of approximately 5000 workers each year. This is far more than what happens on roads. As a result of asbestos exposure, around 20 trade workers are killed each week.

Asbestos isn't a problem of the past. Asbestos can still be found in structures built or renovated before 2000.

Fibers released into the atmosphere when asbestos products are damaged or disturbed. These fibers can be inhaled and cause severe illness. They will not be apparent immediately. These diseases can take years to manifest. It is important to protect yourself right away.

Source: hse.gov.uk.

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Vinyl flooring tiles are durable and affordable, which makes them an ideal choice for floors in schools, hospitals, and businesses that need to withstand frequent wear. Vinyl floor tiles can be made more resistant to fires and damages by adding asbestos. These tiles were also coated with asbestos adhesive. Asbestos flooring may release harmful dust. Many workers today are suffering terrible illnesses like mesothelioma or asbestosis because they were not aware of the dangers.

Most asbestos cement is made from chrysotile, which is white asbestos. It also contains cement. These two ingredients are combined to make a variety of asbestos cement products. Asbestos cement can be found in many locations inside and out of buildings, such as the following:

Asbestos cement roofs

They are mostly made of sheets of corrugated asbestos cement. These can be found on farmyard or industrial buildings but also as roofs over sheds and garages. As they have been around for many years, they are covered with moss or other growths.

Cladding walls with asbestos

It is similar in shape to roof sheeting and can be found on the walls of buildings that have asbestos cement roofs.

Gutters and downpipes for asbestos

They are attached to the roofs of warehouse-type buildings.

Asbestos cement flues

They can be found in heating systems, including domestic air conditioning or ventilation systems.

Around 1983, most manufacturers stopped using asbestos in their products (mainly Chrysotile "white" asbestos). However, it is impossible to guarantee that no other texture coatings were left behind or that they have not been imported from another country. It is best to test the material. In August 1999, all asbestos usage was prohibited in the UK.

This product is considered low risk. But, especially in homes, drilling or sanding the material may result in fibre release, which could also occur in more restricted spaces. Avoid any exposure to asbestos fiber, especially in enclosed spaces.

Asbestos may be found in switchboards built before 2004, or imported prior to 2004. The older the switchboard, or the surrounding area, the greater the chance of it having asbestos. Asbestos is very common in switchboards that were installed prior to 1990.

ACMs (non-friable asbestos) are used to provide an electrical insulation on panels and meter boards, as well as as the bases for busbars and spark arresters and flash guards. Asbestos-cement sheeting can be used to line timber meter boxes that were built before 1990. The cabinets may contain asbestos dust or debris.