Asbestos: What is it and do I need to worry about it?

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made of microscopic fibres. There are six types of asbestos, three of which were commonly used in the UK.  These are typically known as white, brown and blue asbestos.  Before its dangers were known and it was banned in the UK, asbestos was often used in buildings for insulation, flooring and roofing. It was also sprayed onto ceilings and walls, amongst many other uses. It can be present in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000.

How can it harm me?

When materials that contain it are damaged or disturbed, fibres are released into the air. When they are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and pleural thickening.

Certain asbestos containing materials, such as Artex ceilings, are known to be safe unless damaged. However drilling or fixing into them can release fibres which may be harmful.

Is there likely to be asbestos in the property I am buying?

If the property was built prior to the year 2000, then the short answer is yes, the property is likely to contain asbestos somewhere. But this doesn’t necessarily need to be a major problem. You just need to be aware of it so you can avoid damaging, disturbing, or fixing into it, and potentially releasing fibres.

What will my survey tell me?

It’s difficult to find out if your property contains asbestos. This is why it’s a good idea to get a surveyor to take a look at the house as they are more likely to identify asbestos within the property. In a typical pre-purchase survey , a surveyor will likely not be able to tell you conclusively if the property has asbestos. But they can highlight items of the correct age and appearance that may contain asbestos. They will be experienced and able to look out for certain materials that have a high chance of containing it. Roofs made from corrugated cement sheeting, for example, or vinyl tiles in bathrooms. They will also be able to highlight any damaged material that may contain asbestos and might be cause for concern.

What do I need to do if asbestos is suspected?

If the item is in good condition and you do not intend to work on it or near it, there is a good chance that you will not need to take any action. Whereas if there are damaged items, your survey will likely recommend getting them tested to confirm whether they contain asbestos. If there are damaged items that are confirmed to contain asbestos, they will need to be disposed of in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations.

If you intend to undertake refurbishment of the property and it was constructed or refurbished prior to 2000. You must get a Refurbishment and Demolition survey prior to undertaking works.