Asbestos in the home
Q. What is asbestos?
A. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material. Asbestos is very strong,
flexible and resistant to heat, rot and corrosive chemicals. It was widely used in the
consutruction industry between the 1930s and 1970s. However, by the late 1970s the health
risks of asbestos became known and its use was banned. Buildings constructed after 1990 are very
unlikely to contain asbestos products anywhere in the building.
Important: You cannot tell if a product is asbestos just by looking at it.
Q. Why is it dangerous?
A. The fine fibres that make up asbestos can lodge in the tissue of your chest and
can lead to lung diseases (mainly cancers), particularly if you are repeatedly exposed to fibres
over a number of years.
Important: Asbestos does not generally pose a risk unless you disturb or damage it and cause the fibres to be released into the air. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and in a position where they are not going to be disturbed or damaged then it is safer to leave them where they are and ensure that the risks are managed.
Q. Where is asbestos normally found?
A. Asbestos was often used as a fireproofing material. Typically asbestos material
was used in the home in the following places:
- Corrugated roofs of sheds or garages, roofing tiles, eaves, gutters, water tanks
- Pipe or boiler lagging
- Fire-proofing cladding, thermal insulation board, acoustic panels
- Often found on soffits to communal walkways in blocks of flats and underground car parks for fire protection
- Artex type coatings to ceilings and walls
- Floortiles.
Q. What do I do if I think I have asbestos in my home?
A. Do not panic if you think that you may have asbestos materials in your
home. The general rule is to leave asbestos alone. It will not be harmful unless it is
disturbed. Never sand, drill or saw asbestos – remember it is the fibres from damaged asbestos
materials that are harmful. Do not remove any asbestos material yourself. Asbestos
materials can only be removed safely by special licensed contractors. In addition to this,
asbestos materials must be disposed of at licensed disposal centres.
If you have any queries or concerns phone 020 8825 7672 or email asbestoshelpdesk@ealing.gov.uk.
Q. Ealing Homes and works to your home
A. When Ealing Homes carries out major works or improvements to your home, an
asbestos survey will be carried out by an approved contractors. The asbestos survey will often
include a sample test of the suspected material. If the sample proves to be asbestos, a
decision will be taken as to whether to remove it or to seal it and leave it in place. Ealing Homes
will keep you informed of the action that will be taken. Remember so long as the material remains
in good condition and undisturbed it does not pose any danger to you or your family.
