Asbestos is a natural mineral made of tiny fibres. It was used in buildings because it doesn’t burn and can resist heat and electricity. It was common in homes built between 1930 and 1980, and may be found in any building made before 2000. It was partly banned in 1985 and completely banned in the UK in 1999.
Asbestos is dangerous only when it’s disturbed and tiny fibres get into the air. If you breathe these fibres in, they can get stuck in your lungs. Your body cannot break them down, which can lead to serious illnesses.
Breathing in asbestos over many years can cause lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, which are types of lung cancer and can be life‑threatening.
There is no safe amount of asbestos to breathe in, but most people who become ill worked with asbestos for a long time.
Homes built before 2000 may contain asbestos. It was often used in things like wall and pipe insulation, ceiling coverings, floor tiles, roofing, and other building materials.
You won’t usually find loose asbestos. It is normally mixed into other materials like cement, vinyl, or bitumen, which keeps the fibres trapped. If these materials are not disturbed, they are safe and do not harm your health.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says asbestos that is in good condition and unlikely to be damaged should be left where it is and managed safely.
If any work is needed in your home, it must be done carefully so asbestos isn’t disturbed. If asbestos needs to be repaired or removed, safety rules will be followed and everything will be explained to you.
Asbestos that is left alone and in good condition is not dangerous. It only becomes a risk if it is damaged or broken, as this can release fibres into the air. There is no need to remove asbestos if it is still in good condition.
If you think asbestos has been disturbed in your home, please contact the National Service Centre straight away. A DIO repairs contractor will get in touch to check the problem.
You can find more information about asbestos on the HSE website.