Although asbestos in buildings was once known for its durability and heat resistance when used in construction, it is now known to pose a serious risk to human health and because of this, it is important to have a professional survey done to see whether any asbestos is present in your loft. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged, minuscule fibres are released into the air, which, when inhaled, can trigger grave illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
How dangerous is asbestos?
As a response to the dangers of asbestos in buildings, several countries have banned its use, and strict regulations have been put in place to govern its disposal and removal. It is important to note that regular exposure to airborne asbestos may not present immediate symptoms and can take years or even decades to surface. Therefore, it is vital to take precautions and avoid any unnecessary exposure. If you suspect that your loft may contain asbestos (any building/property built before 2000 could contain an ACM), it is crucial to seek professional advice.
Here at Instaloft, we have qualified asbestos surveyors (P402 or equivalent) who can carry out Asbestos Targeted Refurbishment Surveys. They identify any ACMs that could potentially be disturbed during the refurbishment/installation works. Where the removal of any ACMs is required before loft boarding installations, we have trained professionals who can carry out the safe removal of certain types of asbestos in buildings, where a licensed asbestos removal contractor (LARC) would be needed for any removal/remedial works, we can help our customers in sourcing a specialist.
Where is asbestos in buildings found?
There are types of asbestos that are either deemed a licensed or non-licensed material and this is based on the level of risk each material poses. It’s worth noting that asbestos can be found in various building materials in domestic properties, including:
- Pipes and flues,
- Insulation to pipework
- Roofing products (felt, tiles, fascias, and soffits)
- Insulation boards (boxings, ceilings)
- Floor coverings (tiles, vinyl products)
- Household items such as ironing boards and oven mitts.
Therefore, it is crucial to educate yourself on the dangers of any potential asbestos-containing materials to ensure yours and others’ safety. In some cases if asbestos is not disturbed or damaged (in a safe/good condition) this material poses negligible risk but should be regularly monitored to check for any deterioration in the condition of the material (water damage, cracks, broken edges, etc).
How many common types of asbestos are there?
There are six different types of asbestos, which are divided into two sub-groups: serpentine and amphibole. Chrysotile is the only type of serpentine asbestos and is the most commonly used type. The five types of amphibole asbestos are amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. But the three most common types of asbestos are often referred to by colour – Chrysotile (White), Amosite (Brown) and Crocidolite (Blue).
All types of asbestos have been linked to serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, and their use has been heavily restricted in many countries. It is important to properly identify and handle asbestos containing materials (ACMs) to prevent exposure and protect your health.
How to dispose of asbestos in buildings?
The type of asbestos (and amount) can also determine if the removal work is classed as licensed or non licensed. There are several factors that go into making this decision and each removal job should be individually looked at to make sure it is being carried out correctly and legally. Improper removal and disposal of ACMs can lead to legal consequences and hefty fines from your local authority. Licensed asbestos removal contractors (LARCs) understand and adhere to all legal and safety requirements. By hiring professionals to do the job, you ensure the safety of your household and those around you and can have peace of mind.
How can Instaloft help with asbestos issues?
Our qualified asbestos surveyors recommend each ACM that is identified during the Asbestos Targeted Refurbishment Survey that could be disturbed. In conclusion, asbestos in buildings is a hazardous material that requires careful handling/removal by a trained person(s). By following safety guidelines and seeking professional help via one of our qualified asbestos surveys, we can mitigate potential harm caused by asbestos exposure and work towards a safer and healthier environment for all and a clean, safe, and accessible loft space.