Asbestos

Asbestos is a name given to several naturally occurring fibrous minerals. There are two main types: serpentine (chrysotile or white asbestos) and amphiboles, (including amosite/brown asbestos). Asbestos minerals are strong and, heat and chemical-resistant so they were once considered to be ideal building materials such as insulation boards, boilers, pipes and sheet roofing. Asbestos containing materials are still found in lots of places but are now banned in new building materials.

What is the health impact of asbestos exposure?

There is a very small risk to human health if asbestos is not damaged. However, if asbestos containing products become damaged, the fibres may be released into the air. People who work with asbestos or with asbestos-containing products may be exposed to higher levels of asbestos fibres in air.

Breathing in high concentrations of asbestos for a long period of time (often known as life-time exposure) can adversely affect the lungs and may cause a disease called asbestosis. Asbestosis results in heart problems and breathing difficulties. It is also possible to develop lung cancer as a result because asbestos is classified as a human carcinogen and there is no absolutely safe level.

People breathing in lower concentrations, over a long period, may develop pleural plaques or mesothelioma.

What is the scale of the problem?

Evidence suggests that because asbestos was used a lot in the past and the fibres occur naturally, we are all exposed to and inhale a low level of asbestos on a daily basis. It is very unlikely that the general public will be exposed to a high enough level of asbestos, over a sufficiently long period of time to cause adverse health effects.

If you are in contact with someone or something that has been in direct contact with asbestos, it is unlikely this will pose an elevated public health risk, especially if the exposure is only short-term.

What should I do if I am exposed to asbestos?

Asbestos materials that are undamaged and in a place where they are unlikely to be disturbed, should not cause any harm. If you come into contact with asbestos fibres, you should move away from the location of exposure. 

If you have got asbestos fibres on your skin and clothes:

• Do not shake or brush the fibres off – this will make them airborne and are more likely to be inhaled. 
• Remove all dust and fibres that you can see from the body, clothing and footwear, by using a damp cloth and a gentle patting action. 
• Remove any contaminated clothing (not over the head) and place in a bag with the damp cloth. 
• Contact your local authority for advice on disposal of clothing.

What is being done to manage the impact?

Asbestos is now banned for use in the UK. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that any work involving asbestos must be undertaken by a person properly licensed by the Health and Safety Executive.

It is possible that asbestos-containing materials may be in your home if it was built before 2000. Asbestos may have been used in the making of concrete products such as roofs and pipes, water tanks, insulation boards, or in ceilings or ceiling coverings such as artex.

Asbestos in your home should not be a cause for concern if it is undamaged and unlikely to be disturbed. The best thing to do is to leave it alone. However, if you need to remove asbestos from your home, you should contact your local authority environmental health department for advice.

What other organisations are involved?

The Health and Safety Executive ensures that workplaces follow laws to make sure employees are protected against asbestos exposure and is also responsible for licensing contractors to work with asbestos. It can prosecute those who do not follow the laws on asbestos management. It also has a series of webpages offering advice and information on asbestos.

Local Authority Environmental Health Departments can be contacted for advice on managing asbestos. They should also be contacted if you suspect that someone has been illegally fly tipping asbestos.