Asbestos has been widely used in the past to provide heat resistance and insulation within buildings. We hope that the information below will help address any concerns and/or questions that you may have. We also have an Asbestos information booklet, click here| to download your copy.
What is asbestos?
It is a natural substance found and mined from rock throughout the world. It formed around the same time as coal, oil and natural gas.
Why was asbestos used?
Asbestos fibres are strong; they are resistant to heat and chemicals. It is these properties that led to asbestos being used in a range of building materials, often as fireproofing.
Should I worry about asbestos?
Asbestos poses no risk to health unless it is damaged or disturbed and releases dust and fibres into the air. If your home is less than 25 years old, it is unlikely to contain asbestos. Houses and flats built and refurbished between 1930 and 1980 are likely to contain materials made from asbestos. If your home is over 75 years old, it may contain asbestos. Asbestos was also used in some household products (such as oven gloves and ironing boards) but its use decreased greatly from the mid 1980’s and has been banned in most products since 1993. Because asbestos was used so widely, there are low levels of fibres in the air everywhere. It is only when there is an increase in the release of asbestos fibres that the risk to health increases.
Where might it be found?
The most common locations of asbestos are:
• Asbestos cement garage or shed wall panels or roof coverings
• Asbestos cement drainpipes
• Asbestos cement or insulation board soffits, infill panels and partitions
• Asbestos cement bath panels
• Asbestos insulation boarding behind kitchen unit doors
• Asbestos boarding in service ducts or pipe work boxing
• Decorative Artex or textured coatings and paints applied to walls and ceilings
• Plastic floor tiles and cushion flooring
• Fire doors.
These materials are not dangerous as long as they are in good condition. We have taken steps to make sure that tenants, members of the public, council employees and our contractors are protected from exposure to asbestos dust. We may take action if asbestos is found in your home, depending on the type, location and condition of the asbestos. Before we take action we will inspect the property.
We may take samples to find out whether asbestos is present. If asbestos is found but there is no damage to it we may leave it alone and monitor it. In some cases, we may take action to secure or seal the asbestos to prevent any dust or fibres from escaping into the atmosphere. Or, we may decide that we need to remove the asbestos – we will tell you how this will take place.
Some Do’s and Don’ts
• DON’T panic if you think you may have asbestos in your home. It is only a risk to health if it is damaged or disturbed.
• DON’T drill, sand, saw or disturb materials that contain asbestos.
• DON’T try to remove large areas of asbestos materials – they need to be removed by a specialist contractor.
• DO treat asbestos with respect.
• DO seek advice if you think you have a problem with asbestos in your home.
If you have any queries regarding Asbestos, please contact Customer Services on Freephone 0800 195 5552 or from your mobile on 020 8915 2000 (call charges may vary depending on your network)8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or e-mail customercare@suttonhousingpartnership.org.uk|