Asbestos is a common material used in the construction of commercial and residential buildings throughout the UK until the year 2000. However, asbestos is an incredibly dangerous and hazardous material that needs to be handled with care and disposed of responsibly. In this article, we’ll be explaining what it is, why it’s so hazardous and what you can do if you find it in your commercial or domestic property. Here’s everything you need to know about asbestos:

What is asbestos & why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that is both heat and corrosion-resistant. This made it ideal for use in insulation, automotive parts and building materials. However, asbestos is made up of fine fibres that are extremely hazardous to one’s health if those fibres are breathed in or swallowed. It results in trapped fibres in the body that, over time, can cause inflammation and scarring. It can pose serious health risks, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

What are the different types of asbestos?

People have a common misconception that there is only one type of asbestos out there, and that it’s all the same material. But this isn’t the case. There are actually six different types of asbestos that were being used in commercial and residential properties across the country before the year 2000. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of asbestos out there:

Actinolite (green asbestos)

Green asbestos has a harsh texture and isn’t as flexible as other types of asbestos. Actinolite is more commonly used in commercial buildings, often appearing close to other types of asbestos. It’s one of the least common asbestos types, as mining companies didn’t seek to mine this particular type of asbestos.

Amosite (brown asbestos)

Commonly used in cement sheeting and pipe insulation, it’s also found in insulation boring, ceiling tiles and thermal insulation products. It’s considered to be more carcinogenic than chrysotile, but not as dangerous as crocidolite.

Anthophyllite (yellow asbestos)

This type of asbestos was used in small amounts for insulation in the construction industry. It also occurs as a contaminant in chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite and talc. Along with being a yellow colour, it can also be grey, green or white.

Chrysotile (white asbestos)

White asbestos is the type that was the most commonly used before 2000. It was primarily used in roofs, ceilings, walls and floors. In addition, manufacturers also used to use white asbestos in things like brake linings, gaskets and boiler seals. As well as this, chrysotile asbestos can also be used as insulation for pipes, ducts and certain appliances.

Crocidolite (blue asbestos)

Primarily used on steam engines, blue asbestos can also be found in some spray-on coatings and pipe insulation, together with some cement and plastic products. It’s the most carcinogenic type of asbestos, therefore being linked to a higher risk of mesothelioma. Crocidolite is considered to be the most dangerous type of asbestos.

Tremolite (colour can vary)

Some insulation products can contain tremolite asbestos, including paints, sealants and some roofing materials. Its colour can vary, most commonly presenting itself as white, green, grey or transparent. It can be more carcinogenic than other types of asbestos, but no more than crocidolite. Tremolite can also be found as deposits in chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite and talc.

Where was asbestos commonly used in Britain?

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos can be found in industrial or residential buildings built or refurbished before 2000. Gov.uk states that asbestos can be found in building insulation for buildings, boilers and pipes. It can also be found in car brakes (applicable to cars built before 2000), floor tiles, insulating boarding, roofing cement and roofing sheets, among other things.

In addition, Clearview states that asbestos was once sprayed on ceilings and walls for fire-proofing in commercial buildings, including schools built or refurbished before 2000. According to the same source, asbestos can also be found in everyday places in and around your home if it was built or refurbished before 2000. Asbestos was commonly used in the following (although its use isn’t limited to the list below):

Ceiling tiles
Soffits
Window panels
Artex
Fuse boards
Fireplaces
Boilers
Thermostats
Airing cupboards
Toilet cisterns
Toilet seats
Bath panels
Floor tiles
Roofing felt
Garden sheds
Garages and outbuildings

When was the use of asbestos banned in the UK?

According to Imperial, asbestos was first used in the 1870s, initially being used on ships, steam engines and power-generating plants. However, by the 1990s, the health risks were starting to be realised. It wasn’t until 1999 that the government decided to ban the use of asbestos completely in the United Kingdom, according to the same source.

While asbestos can no longer be used in construction in Britain, properties of a certain age can still contain asbestos, even those built in the late 1990s. If your home or commercial building was built before 2000, then you should proceed with caution when it comes to renovations. This is where Willshee’s comes in.

What should I do with asbestos waste?

If you have come across asbestos, even if you suspect it to be made from asbestos, in your commercial or domestic property, then it’s imperative, for your safety and the safety of others, that you have it removed and disposed of by a specialist waste management firm. Here at Willshee’s, we’re proud to offer our clients hazardous waste removal in Burton-upon-Trent and the surrounding areas. This includes the removal and responsible disposal of asbestos, both for residential and commercial customers.

What happens if I don’t dispose of asbestos properly?

There are multiple consequences associated with failing to handle, remove and dispose of asbestos safely and responsibly. It can pose serious risks, and the violation of correct asbestos disposal could result in several consequences, including severe health problems, environmental contamination, incredibly hefty fines (up to £20,000) and even imprisonment.

It’s best for everyone involved for you to choose a responsible waste management company, such as Willshee’s, to remove and dispose of asbestos correctly. This gives you absolute peace of mind that the environment and people’s health are safe and protected once again. If you suspect asbestos to be present in your home or commercial property that you want to get rid of, look no further than Willshee’s.

Willshee’s is a dedicated waste management company with decades of experience and knowledge in the field. As such, we can always be trusted to collect and dispose of your hazardous waste, including asbestos. For further information about our hazardous waste management services in Burton-upon-Trent and beyond, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.

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