Asbestos remains a topic surrounded by uncertainty for many people.

This blog aims to improve your understanding of asbestos by providing clear, detailed information about what asbestos is, the different types of asbestos, common uses, health risks, and the regulations surrounding its management.

An introduction to asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was mined in many places across the globe, mainly in South Africa and Canada. For decades, it was the superstar of the construction world because of its incredible strength, resistance to fire, and its great insulating properties. However, we eventually learned that those same qualities make it very dangerous to human health.

Asbestos materials are most commonly made up of 3 unique minerals: Chrysotile, Amosite, and Crocidolite.

In addition to these, there are 3 other asbestos fibres: Tremolite, Actinolite, and Anthophyllite. While these additional types were never commercially sold or widely used in building materials in the UK, they remain important to know about due to their presence in some asbestos-containing products.

1. Chrysotile Asbestos (White Asbestos)

Chrysotile, commonly referred to as white asbestos, is the most widely used form of asbestos. Known for its high flexibility and excellent heat resistance, chrysotile asbestos was extensively utilised in a variety of asbestos-containing products. These include asbestos cement products such as cement corrugated sheets, brake pads, vinyl floor tiles, and even bitumen-based materials. Its versatile properties made it a preferred choice in the construction industry and other applications requiring durable, fire-resistant materials.

2. Amosite Asbestos (Brown Asbestos)

Also known as Brown Asbestos, Amosite is valued for its exceptional strength and high heat resistance. These properties made it an ideal choice for use in asbestos insulation board, pipe lagging, and spray coatings. It was commonly applied in fire protection materials such as fire breaks above doors, fire doors, and boiler room ceilings. While all forms of asbestos are hazardous, Amosite poses a higher risk of asbestos-related illnesses due to its fibrous nature, especially when compared to cement-bound asbestos materials.

3. Crocidolite Asbestos (Blue Asbestos)

Also known as blue asbestos, Crocidolite asbestos fibre is the least common of the three main types but can still be found in some residential and commercial properties. Blue asbestos is typically found in brittle materials such as pipe insulation, pipe lagging, and sprayed coatings, which can easily break down and release hazardous asbestos fibres. Due to its fragile nature, exposure to blue asbestos can pose a significant health risk, making it crucial to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials properly in construction projects and buildings.

Asbestos use and exposure in the UK

In the UK, asbestos use was banned in 1999 following a rise in asbestos-related illnesses. Asbestos is commonly found in buildings constructed before 2000, particularly those built or refurbished between the 1950s and 1980s.

Due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing products in construction materials such as asbestos cement, pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, and asbestos floor tiles, it is a legal requirement to conduct an asbestos survey before refurbishment. Proper asbestos testing and removal by licensed contractors helps protect workers and the public from exposure to asbestos fibres and the associated health risks.

Our role in asbestos testing and removal

If you're a business owner worried about asbestos in your workplace, or a homeowner concerned about your residential space, get in touch. At City Environmental Services, we are dedicated to protecting businesses and the general public against dangerous asbestos materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I identify asbestos in my home or building?

Identifying asbestos requires professional asbestos testing, as asbestos-containing materials are often hidden within building materials such as cement products, insulating board, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and pipe insulation. For this reason, hiring a trained expert is the only way to safely collect the necessary samples to test for asbestos fibres.

What are the most common sources of asbestos-containing exposure?

People are most commonly exposed to asbestos fibres through inhalation, especially when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during construction projects, renovations, or natural disasters. Occupational exposure is therefore more common in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and the manufacturing of thermal insulation products.

What are the health risks associated with asbestos exposure?

Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious asbestos-related diseases and illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare cancer), and asbestosis. All forms of asbestos fibres are hazardous and classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation. The risk is higher with exposure to blue and brown asbestos, which are more hazardous than white asbestos. The latency period from exposure to disease diagnosis is typically around 20 years, and people with pre-existing breathing problems may be more sensitive to asbestos exposure.

What is asbestos cement, and where is it commonly used?

Asbestos cement is a composite material made by mixing cement with asbestos fibres, providing additional strength, durability, and fire resistance. It was widely used in construction for products such as roofing sheets, wall cladding, pipes, gutters, and water tanks. Due to its cement-like appearance, asbestos cement can be hard to distinguish from ordinary cement materials.

What regulations govern asbestos removal and worker protection?

Asbestos removal must be carried out by licensed professionals who follow strict safety protocols to protect both workers and the public. Regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversee these procedures to minimise health risks. Additionally, employers are required to provide annual asbestos training to all personnel who may come into contact with asbestos. In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 provides clear guidelines for the safe management, removal, and disposal of asbestos.