What is Asbestos?

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres that were widely used in construction materials across the UK from the 1950s through to the late 1990s. Valued for their heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used in thousands of commercial and domestic buildings.

There are three main types of asbestos commonly found in UK buildings:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos) — the most commonly used type, found in roofing, ceilings, walls, and floors
• Amosite (brown asbestos) — frequently used in insulation boards and ceiling tiles
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos) — the most hazardous type, used in spray coatings and pipe insulation

Where is asbestos found?

Any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000 may contain asbestos. Common locations include:

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos is safe when undisturbed and in good condition. The danger arises when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed — releasing microscopic fibres into the air.

When inhaled, these fibres can become embedded in the lungs and cause serious diseases, including:

• Mesothelioma — an aggressive cancer of the lung lining, almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure
• Asbestosis — chronic scarring of the lungs causing breathing difficulty
• Lung cancer — risk significantly increased by asbestos exposure, especially combined with smoking

According to the HSE, asbestos still kills around 5,000 people in the UK every year — more than any other workplace hazard.

What should you do if you suspect asbestos?