Chrysotile
The most common type in UK buildings. Found in asbestos cement roofing, textured coatings, floor tiles and many other products.
Banned 1999What Is Asbestos?
A plain-English guide to asbestos: what it is, where it hides in UK buildings, why it is dangerous and what to do if you think you have found it.
1999
The year all asbestos was banned in the UK. Buildings built or refurbished before 2000 may contain it.
3
Main types used in UK buildings: chrysotile (white), amosite (brown) and crocidolite (blue).
Decades
Asbestos-related diseases can take decades to appear after exposure, often 20 years or more.
01 The Basics
A Natural Mineral.
A Hidden Risk.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tiny fibres. It is strong, cheap and resists heat and chemicals, which is why it was used so widely in buildings.
From the 1950s to the 1980s it went into everything from garage roofs and ceiling coatings to floor tiles, pipe insulation and fire doors. Blue and brown asbestos were banned in 1985, and white asbestos followed in 1999. A lot of it is still in place today.
The key point: asbestos in good condition
that is left alone is generally low risk. The danger comes
when it is damaged or disturbed and fibres get into the air.
02 Types
Three Main Types.
All Dangerous.
The names refer to the mineral, not the colour you will see. Asbestos products are often painted or mixed with other materials, so you cannot tell the type by looking.
Amosite
Often found in asbestos insulation board, ceiling tiles and thermal insulation such as pipe lagging.
Banned 1985Crocidolite
Considered one of the most hazardous types. Used in sprayed coatings, pipe insulation and some cement products.
Banned 198503 Where It Hides
Common Places
In A Typical Property.
Hover or tap a point to see what might be there, and whether removing it is usually work Ford Environmental can carry out.
-
1
Garage & shed roofs
Corrugated asbestos cement sheets.
Usually non-licensed -
2
Soffits & fascias
Can be asbestos cement or insulation board.
Depends on the material -
3
Gutters, downpipes & flues
Asbestos cement rainwater goods and flue pipes.
Usually non-licensed -
4
Water tanks
Asbestos cement cold water tanks in lofts.
Usually non-licensed -
5
Textured ceilings & walls
Artex-type decorative coatings.
Usually non-licensed -
6
Floor tiles & adhesive
Thermoplastic and vinyl tiles, black bitumen adhesive.
Usually non-licensed -
7
Asbestos insulation board
Ceiling tiles, partition walls, fire doors, boiler cupboards.
Licensed contractor -
8
Pipe lagging & sprayed coatings
Thermal insulation on pipes and boilers, sprayed fire protection.
Licensed contractor
These are general guides only. Whether a job is non-licensed, notifiable non-licensed or licensed depends on the material, its condition and the work involved, so every job is assessed first.
04 The Risks
Why It Matters.
Why It Is Taken Seriously.
When asbestos is disturbed, fibres can be released into the air and breathed in. They can lodge in the lungs and cause serious disease many years later. Asbestos remains the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in UK, according to the HSE.
Mesothelioma
A cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen, almost always linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-related lung cancer
Similar to lung cancer from other causes. The risk is much higher for people who also smoke.
Asbestosis
Scarring of the lungs after heavy exposure, causing breathlessness that can get worse over time.
Pleural thickening
Thickening of the lining around the lungs, which can make breathing harder.
05 History
From Wonder Material
To Banned Substance.
-
1950s–70s
Peak use
Asbestos is used widely across UK construction, from homes and schools to factories and offices.
-
1985
Blue & brown banned
Import and use of crocidolite and amosite is banned in the UK.
-
1999
All asbestos banned
White asbestos (chrysotile) is banned, ending the use of asbestos in the UK.
-
2012
Current regulations
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out how asbestos work must be carried out today.
06 Found Something?
Think You Have Asbestos?
Here's What To Do.
Don't
- Drill, cut, sand, scrape or break it
- Sweep up or vacuum any debris
- Try to remove it yourself without advice
- Put it in your bin or a general skip
Do
- Leave it alone and keep people away from it
- Take a few photos from a safe distance
- Get it sampled if you are unsure
- Get advice before any building work starts
07 FAQ
Asbestos
Questions.
Does my house have asbestos?
If it was built or refurbished before 2000, it might. Many homes from that era contain some asbestos, most commonly in garage roofs, textured ceilings, floor tiles and soffits. The only way to be sure is sampling.
Is it dangerous to live with asbestos?
Asbestos in good condition that will not be disturbed is generally low risk and can often be left in place. The risk comes from damage, deterioration or work that disturbs it, such as drilling or renovation.
Can I tell if something is asbestos by looking at it?
No. Asbestos materials often look exactly like asbestos-free ones. Sampling and laboratory analysis is the only reliable way to know.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
Using a trained professional is strongly recommended. Removal needs the right method, protective equipment and clean-up, and asbestos waste must be disposed of through authorised routes. Licensed materials must only be removed by an HSE-licensed contractor.
Who is responsible for asbestos in commercial buildings?
Whoever is responsible for maintaining non-domestic premises has a legal duty to manage asbestos. That includes finding out whether it is present, assessing its condition and keeping a record and plan for managing it.
Not Sure What You've Got?
Get It Checked.
Before It's Disturbed.
Send a description and a few photos and you will get a straight answer on what happens next.
This page is general information only. It is not an asbestos survey, laboratory analysis or site-specific advice, and it does not confirm whether any material does or does not contain asbestos.