There is over 5000 different products that are known to contain asbestos (Oracle Solutions, 2017). Many people think that asbestos is manmade. It is...
There is over 5000 different products that are known to contain asbestos (Oracle Solutions, 2017). Many people think that asbestos is manmade. It is not. Asbestos is the name for a variety of occurring silicate minerals, that naturally occur in rock form. Once mined, the rock is crushed and milled to produce various grades of raw asbestos fibre. Asbestos was mainly used in construction and ship building from the 1950’s – 1980’s. Asbestos was banned in the UK at the end of 1999, because of its association with the development of serious and potentially fatal diseases, such as Asbestosis, Pleural disease, Lung Cancer, and Mesothelioma (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Asbestos kills ‘’5000 workers every year’’, which is more than the number of people killed on the roads (Armco, 2021).
While asbestos can be dangerous, it’s not harmful if left alone. But if the material containing asbestos is damaged, it can release a fine dust – which when breathed in, can gradually damage the lungs over time. Not all asbestos is harmful, as according to a variety of sources, ‘’everyone has some level of asbestos exposure’’ (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). In response to this, this article aims to educate its viewers on methods in which they can identify asbestos, and whether it poses a threat. If harmful asbestos is found, this article shall also advise on the best practice to remove it.
How to identify Asbestos?
If you’re not sure if asbestos is present or not, then leave well alone and ‘’seek professional advice from an Asbestos Contractor’’ (Armco, 2021).
Asbestos can be difficult to identify, as its often mixed in with other materials. There are some very common materials that are known to contain asbestos and some common places you will find it, which we shall include below.
There are 3 main types of asbestos – Crocidolite (blue colour), Amosite (brown colour) and Chrysotile (white colour).
Here are some descriptions of common materials that contain asbestos and photos to show what they look like. For simplicity, this article has only included only those that may be harmful if removed without training, or a proper licenced Asbestos Removal Contractor.
Loose Asbestos in ceiling or floor cavity:
You will only ever see loose asbestos in loose fill material in ceilings and floor cavities.
It appears as a loose and fluffy insulation material – like candyfloss, and blue-grey or whiteish in colour.
It is the most dangerous asbestos, as if it is disturbed, it can release large amounts of fibre into the air. Do not remove or attempt to move any asbestos-containing materials without consulting asbestos removal contractors or a licensed asbestos removal service.
2. Lagging
Often applied to pipes and can be tricky to identify, as is often covered in protective coating or paint. It is mostly fibrous which flakes and powders very easily.
One of the most dangerous types of asbestos, as it’s very easy for lagging to be disturbed.
Sprayed coatings on ceilings, walls and beams / columns
This asbestos material will usually look white or grey in colour and will usually have a rough surface that may have been painted over.
Often used as insulation for rooves and the sides of buildings, as well as fire protection on steel and reinforced concrete beams on the underside of floors.
It is one of the most dangerous asbestos containing materials, as minor disturbances can release many asbestos fibers.
4. (Not as dangerous but still a threat) Asbestos insulating board (AIB)
Very versatile material and has been used in lots of different places as a result, such as: ceiling tiles, panels below windows, soffits, partition walls, life shaft linings and fireproofing panels in fire doors.
It is not as dangerous as other materials, yet prolonged exposure may still cause significant health risks.
5. Floor tiles, textiles, and composites.
Difficult to identify, as often these old asbestos materials don’t look that different from modern materials.
Asbestos floor tiles were once very common, and so a lot of them will still be hidden underneath modern carpets and flooring.
As for textiles, they’re often found in fuse boxes, fire blankets and heat resistant gloves.
Asbestos composites include toilet cisterns and seats, windowsills, and bath panels.
Removal of such does not require a license, yet do not attempt it yourself without the appropriate training.
6. Textured Coatings
This textured coating material will have various finishings to it, often either swirls or a stippled pattern.
You will find textured coatings on ceilings and walls, predominantly known as Artex
They are white in colour and have a hard texture that is usually painted over in a variety of colours.
Despite the exposure risk, textured coatings are classed as a lower risk material, and as a result – removal does not require a license, but removers do need the necessary training to do so.
7. Asbestos Cement Products
Mainly mixed with chrysolite, cement asbestos is a hard, grey material to look at, which is molded and compressed to make cement products.
Can be found in many places, both inside and outside buildings, such as cement roofs, wall cladding, downpipes and gutters, flues, as well as water and sewer pipes.
These products can be removed without a license so long as they are trained appropriately.
8. Roofing Felt
Most often found on garage roofs and outbuildings.
Asbestos removal services can be done by non-licensed operatives if they have the correct training.
9. Rope Seals and Gaskets
Commonly found in gas and electric heating appliances.
Non-licensed contractors can carry out tasks on these materials if they have the correct training. If you are unsure, always contact licensed asbestos removal services.
What to do if you find Asbestos?
As mentioned previously, over 5000 workers are killed each year by asbestos, with ‘’20 tradesman dying each week’’ because of unnecessary exposure. As a result, it is vital to ensure you are aware, and never risk needlessly exposing yourself or others to the harmful substance (Armco, 2022).
If you identify the substance, or even have suspicions over a material, make sure you contact a licensed Asbestos Contractor, such as DES immediately. DES is a highly qualified, and professional business who has a multitude of experience in dealing with the complexities of such an issue. Please do not hesitate to get in touch! You can reach us by:
What does Asbestos look like?
There is over 5000 different products that are known to contain asbestos (Oracle Solutions, 2017). Many people think that asbestos is manmade. It is...
There is over 5000 different products that are known to contain asbestos (Oracle Solutions, 2017). Many people think that asbestos is manmade. It is not. Asbestos is the name for a variety of occurring silicate minerals, that naturally occur in rock form. Once mined, the rock is crushed and milled to produce various grades of raw asbestos fibre. Asbestos was mainly used in construction and ship building from the 1950’s – 1980’s. Asbestos was banned in the UK at the end of 1999, because of its association with the development of serious and potentially fatal diseases, such as Asbestosis, Pleural disease, Lung Cancer, and Mesothelioma (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Asbestos kills ‘’5000 workers every year’’, which is more than the number of people killed on the roads (Armco, 2021).
While asbestos can be dangerous, it’s not harmful if left alone. But if the material containing asbestos is damaged, it can release a fine dust – which when breathed in, can gradually damage the lungs over time. Not all asbestos is harmful, as according to a variety of sources, ‘’everyone has some level of asbestos exposure’’ (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). In response to this, this article aims to educate its viewers on methods in which they can identify asbestos, and whether it poses a threat. If harmful asbestos is found, this article shall also advise on the best practice to remove it.
How to identify Asbestos?
If you’re not sure if asbestos is present or not, then leave well alone and ‘’seek professional advice from an Asbestos Contractor’’ (Armco, 2021).
Asbestos can be difficult to identify, as its often mixed in with other materials. There are some very common materials that are known to contain asbestos and some common places you will find it, which we shall include below.
There are 3 main types of asbestos – Crocidolite (blue colour), Amosite (brown colour) and Chrysotile (white colour).
Here are some descriptions of common materials that contain asbestos and photos to show what they look like. For simplicity, this article has only included only those that may be harmful if removed without training, or a proper licenced Asbestos Removal Contractor.
You will only ever see loose asbestos in loose fill material in ceilings and floor cavities.
It appears as a loose and fluffy insulation material – like candyfloss, and blue-grey or whiteish in colour.
It is the most dangerous asbestos, as if it is disturbed, it can release large amounts of fibre into the air. Do not remove or attempt to move any asbestos-containing materials without consulting asbestos removal contractors or a licensed asbestos removal service.
2. Lagging
Often applied to pipes and can be tricky to identify, as is often covered in protective coating or paint. It is mostly fibrous which flakes and powders very easily.
One of the most dangerous types of asbestos, as it’s very easy for lagging to be disturbed.
This asbestos material will usually look white or grey in colour and will usually have a rough surface that may have been painted over.
Often used as insulation for rooves and the sides of buildings, as well as fire protection on steel and reinforced concrete beams on the underside of floors.
It is one of the most dangerous asbestos containing materials, as minor disturbances can release many asbestos fibers.
4. (Not as dangerous but still a threat) Asbestos insulating board (AIB)
Very versatile material and has been used in lots of different places as a result, such as: ceiling tiles, panels below windows, soffits, partition walls, life shaft linings and fireproofing panels in fire doors.
It is not as dangerous as other materials, yet prolonged exposure may still cause significant health risks.
5. Floor tiles, textiles, and composites.
Difficult to identify, as often these old asbestos materials don’t look that different from modern materials.
Asbestos floor tiles were once very common, and so a lot of them will still be hidden underneath modern carpets and flooring.
As for textiles, they’re often found in fuse boxes, fire blankets and heat resistant gloves.
Asbestos composites include toilet cisterns and seats, windowsills, and bath panels.
Removal of such does not require a license, yet do not attempt it yourself without the appropriate training.
6. Textured Coatings
This textured coating material will have various finishings to it, often either swirls or a stippled pattern.
You will find textured coatings on ceilings and walls, predominantly known as Artex
They are white in colour and have a hard texture that is usually painted over in a variety of colours.
Despite the exposure risk, textured coatings are classed as a lower risk material, and as a result – removal does not require a license, but removers do need the necessary training to do so.
7. Asbestos Cement Products
Mainly mixed with chrysolite, cement asbestos is a hard, grey material to look at, which is molded and compressed to make cement products.
Can be found in many places, both inside and outside buildings, such as cement roofs, wall cladding, downpipes and gutters, flues, as well as water and sewer pipes.
These products can be removed without a license so long as they are trained appropriately.
8. Roofing Felt
Most often found on garage roofs and outbuildings.
Asbestos removal services can be done by non-licensed operatives if they have the correct training.
9. Rope Seals and Gaskets
Commonly found in gas and electric heating appliances.
Non-licensed contractors can carry out tasks on these materials if they have the correct training. If you are unsure, always contact licensed asbestos removal services.
What to do if you find Asbestos?
As mentioned previously, over 5000 workers are killed each year by asbestos, with ‘’20 tradesman dying each week’’ because of unnecessary exposure. As a result, it is vital to ensure you are aware, and never risk needlessly exposing yourself or others to the harmful substance (Armco, 2022).
If you identify the substance, or even have suspicions over a material, make sure you contact a licensed Asbestos Contractor, such as DES immediately. DES is a highly qualified, and professional business who has a multitude of experience in dealing with the complexities of such an issue. Please do not hesitate to get in touch! You can reach us by:
Filling out this form: https://desholdings.co.uk/contact/
Calling us on: 01527 521 457