Asbestos Aware

The British Lung Foundation are trying to raise awareness of the effects of asbestos after a survey revealed almost 65% of homeowners would not be confident of identifying asbestos in their own home and 77% said they had never received any information on how to manage and identify the substance. Of the 2,000 homeowners surveyed a further 45% did not realise that asbestos had been used as a building material. As a homeowner do you think you could identify asbestos, do you know the effects and would you know how to deal with it? Here at the Homeowners Club we thought wed bring the subject to your attention and help the BLF to raise awareness.

The fact that asbestos was an ultra resistant substance meant that it was used extensively in the 20th century in many aspects of building, so those who were employed regularly in these areas were most at risk, for example in shipping yards or plumbers. Nowadays because the material is no longer actively used, the greatest risk is for those involved in the demolition or building repair and maintenance. This is because asbestos is only harmful when it is disturbed and its dangerous fibres are released into the air.

The British Lung Foundation estimates there are some 14 million homes in the UK which were built when asbestos was being used as a building material. The foundation has stated it doesnt want to scare homeowners it just wants people to be aware of the dangers, as in most situations asbestos is safe as long as it is not disturbed; therefore it is often best left alone. They believe it is important to raise awareness amongst homeowners to bridge the knowledge gap for when people are carrying out DIY.

Effects

The prolonged or intense exposure to asbestos fibres can cause lung disease, including cancer mesothelioma, asbestosis and other lung problems; however, these conditions may not appear for many decades after exposure.

Likely locations

Floor tiles, toilet cisterns, asbestos cement roofs, soffit boards, linings of boiler cupboards.

If found

Asbestos should not be drilled or sanded and if working around it, the surfaces should be dampened to stop dust being released and suitable protective clothing should be worn.

Removal

If you want to remove asbestos, advice should be sought from your local authority or certified asbestos removal firm. Any waste needs special collection and must not be discarded in the dust bin.