Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but it was widely used in building materials from the 1930s, meaning it can still be found in many UK properties
A crucial alert has been issued to any UK household residing in a property constructed before the year 2000. Should your house have been built prior to that date, and you’re considering undertaking even minor refurbishments, specialists emphasise it is vital to watch out for the warning signs.
Asbestos can still be discovered in UK homes, even though it was prohibited in 1999 owing to its lethal effect on people. This is due to the fact it was extensively utilised in construction materials from the 1930s, as it was prized for its fire resistance, durability, and insulation qualities, which made it exceptionally popular for use in wall coverings and garage rooftops.
The health dangers weren’t recognised at the time, and it wasn’t until the late 1990s that asbestos was connected to severe illnesses. This explains why numerous UK homes and garages still harbour asbestos in concealed locations. It comes as UK households are being urged to ‘keep windows shut’ until mid-August due to an ‘influx’.
Asbestos poses a threat because its microscopic fibres, when disrupted, become airborne and can be breathed in. Once inside the lungs, the fibres can trigger serious health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Should your property have been constructed before 2000, a specialist has now revealed advice on how to identify if your home contains asbestos, and what steps you should take to safeguard yourself.
Verify the age of your property
“Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 and no building materials containing asbestos have been sold since then, so if your home was built after that, you probably don’t need to worry,” says Alastair Mayne, CEO at Garolla. “The most popular time for asbestos was between the 1950s and the 1980s, so if your property was built then, you should definitely contact a professional to determine the safety of your property.”
Take a look at your garage roof
“If your garage is made of corrugated grey panels, especially ones that are weathered, there is a good chance that they were made with asbestos cement,” he advises.
“Similarly, flat panels could be asbestos insulating board, which is even more hazardous. Keep an eye out for moss growing on your roof, as it can hide degradation – a broken panel can increase the risk of fibres being released.”
Examine the walls
“Asbestos insulation boards were often used in wall panels, especially around doors. They typically look like flat, grey boards, which is very easy to mistake for fibreboard,” Alastair points out.
“If you suspect you have asbestos, it’s very important that you consult a professional rather than attempt to remove it yourself.
“Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye and can be released easily. Professionals are trained to identify asbestos safely, test under strict conditions, and remove it with specialised equipment. If in doubt, it is always best to consult proper expertise.”