Asbestos safety

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with fibres that are strong and resistant to heat and fire. It was used in a wide range of building materials and products from the 1950s to 1980s.

Below is a list of the most common locations where you could possibly find asbestos. Please note that asbestos may be found in other areas not included in this list:

Outside

• Eaves and soffits
• Rainwater pipes and guttering
• Roof tiles
• Central heating flues
• Garage and shed roofs/walls
• Corrugated cement.

Inside

• Decorative coating on ceilings and walls (Artex)
• Linings for walls, ceilings, duct panels and internal doors
• Insulation in some electrical heaters
• Bath panels
• Floor tiles and adhesives
• Boarding around fireplaces
• Cold water tanks.

When asbestos materials age or become damaged they can release fibres into the air. When high concentrations of these fibres are breathed in over a long period of time there is a risk of lung disease. The symptoms of this disease often do not appear for 20-30 years. People who have worked with asbestos for many years are most likely to be affected by it. Exposure to low levels of asbestos fibre is unlikely to damage health.

You cannot tell whether a product contains asbestos simply by looking at it - it must be analysed by a laboratory. If you are concerned that you might have asbestos in your home, please contact us on 0330 100 0272. We will provide you with the relevant details and, if necessary, arrange an asbestos survey for your home.

If you would like to find out more or have your say on asbestos safety. Please get in touch with the team by or login to your my.account here and let us know your thoughts.