Although asbestos was banned for use in new products and construction in the UK in 1999 it still remains in many building across the country to date. Despite the well documented evidence that asbestos is hazardous to human health some people still refuse to accept the dangers. The question is: is asbestos still a risk in the UK?
A
sbestos was once the building material of choice. It was cost effective, a good insulator of heat and could take the place of more expensive materials such as wood, plastic and metal. After WWII the population grew exponentially and this put pressure on local authorities to build more schools, hospitals and homes meant that they were forced to look at ways to build quickly while keeping costs as low as possible. Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s) were seen as the answer and was used for decades within the construction industry.
By the early 1960s it was proven that exposure to asbestos fibres produced from drilling, scraping and breaking ACM’s were resulting in humans developing cancers such as mesothelioma. Asbestos is now responsible for over 5000 deaths per year.
Where is asbestos found?
Are there any safe forms of asbestos?
No. It’s untrue that some forms of asbestos are safe and all forms of asbestos should be handled in a safe manner. Always exercise caution when dealing with asbestos.
Summary
Left undisturbed asbestos is generally safe. However, you may not always know where ACM’s are contained and you should always exercise caution when undertaking and demolition or renovation projects.
Asbestos is a potentially deadly substance. Get the advice of a professional asbestos management contractor if you are in any doubt.
