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What is Asbestos?
Though lots of people have heard of asbestos, many are not always clear on what it actually is, why and where it was used, and the dangers that it can pose.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that was used in buildings and materials for many years to provide additional fire protection and insulation properties.
Materials made with asbestos are strong, incombustible, heat-resistant and sound-absorbent, making asbestos an attractive material for electrical and building insulation, among other uses.
In 1999, the UK banned asbestos due to an increased incidence of lung-related diseases in those working with the substance. However, any building or material manufactured or refurbished before the year 2000 may contain asbestos. Asbestos remains the UK’s biggest workplace killer, responsible for up to 5,000 deaths a year.
Different asbestos types
The three main types of asbestos that you may come across whilst carrying out building work are:
- Chrysotile (white asbestos). Chrysotile is the most commonly used type of asbestos and is often contaminated with trace amounts of tremolite. Chrysotile fibres are usually fine in texture, possessing high flexibility and good heat-resistant properties, making it ideal for use in cement, brake pads/linings and roofing materials.
- Amosite (brown asbestos). Mined mostly in Africa, amosite is a particularly strong and heat-resistant type of asbestos that was commonly used in cement sheets, plumbing insulation and electrical insulation. Though all types of asbestos are toxic, amosite asbestos exposure has a comparatively higher cancer risk.
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos). Crocidolite has very thin fibres and, if inhaled, are easily lodged in the lungs. Its thin fibres and brittle nature make crocidolite one of the most harmful forms of asbestos, as it easily breaks down and leads to asbestos exposure.
What makes asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos is a fibrous material, meaning that it is made up of fibres that are incredibly small – approximately ten times smaller than the width of a human hair.
If asbestos or asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, these fibres are released into the air. If inhaled, the fibres can get trapped in the lungs, potentially causing scarring and inflammation. This affects breathing and leads to serious health problems.
How does asbestos kill?
Asbestos is responsible for over 5,000 deaths in the UK each year, and exposure can be responsible for a number of health conditions.
Asbestos-related conditions
Mesothelioma - A cancer of the cells that make up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside the ribs (the pleura), or of the abdominal wall. Exposure to asbestos is responsible for up to 9 out of 10 mesothelioma cases. Mesothelioma UK is the UK's leading charity dedicated to supporting Mesothelioma patients and their families.
Asbestos-related lung cancer -This malignant tumour of the lungs’ air passages can cause an obstruction that looks similar to lung cancer caused by smoking.
Asbestosis and fibrosis - Scarring of the lung tissue leads to breathing difficulties and can cause further complications, including heart failure.
Pleural plaques - These affect the pleura adjacent to the ribs, with around 20% to 60% of people exposed to asbestos developing pleural plaques.
Asbestos fibres can also cause health problems for other parts of the body. For example, asbestos warts and corns can form both on the skin and around major organs.
Where is asbestos found?
In a house, factory or office built before 2000, asbestos could be found in:
Roof ceiling and floor tiles and tile adhesive.
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB).
Water tanks and pipe lagging.
Fire breaks in ceiling voids.
Cement guttering or pipes.
Over the years, asbestos is believed to have been used in around 3000 products, including toothpaste, fake snow and even cigarette filters.
Who is at risk of exposure?
You’ll be in danger of encountering asbestos at work if you carry out refurbishments, repairs or maintenance trades. Examples of people who are commonly at risk include:
Builders
Carpenters and joiners
Roofing contractors
Heating and ventilation engineers
Plumbers and gas fitters
Electricians
However, it is important to remember that asbestos doesn’t just affect those who work with it. If disturbed, asbestos can affect anyone in the immediate area. Fibres can also be carried on clothing, which may then impact the worker’s family and friends. This is called Secondary Exposure.
Timeline of asbestos
1906
The first documented death of an asbestos worker, aged 33, from pulmonary failure was recorded by Dr. Montague Murray at London’s Charing Cross Hospital.
1924
Nellie Kershaw dies aged between 32-33. Her death was the first to be ascribed to asbestosis as a cause of death.
1955
An epidemiology study made a definite confirmation of the causal association between occupational asbestos exposure and lung cancer.
1985
The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1985 banned the import, supply and use of crocidolite and amosite asbestos as of 1st January, 1986.
1992
The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 banned certain forms of chrysotile asbestos as of 1st January 1993.
1999
The Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 1999 bans chrysotile (with minor exemptions) as of 24th November, 1999.
Learn more about attitudes towards asbestos
To understand how tradespeople and the general public view asbestos and it's associated risks, we commissioned a number of surveys, with striking results.
Learn more