Guide Asbestos

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1. About asbestos

Asbestos was used extensively as a building material in the UK from the1950s through to the mid-1980s, and any buildings constructed before 2000 can contain asbestos.

Asbestos is a natural mineral which can be separated into thin but strong fibres. It was often used as an insulation material and used to reinforce cement, plastics and areas of high fire risk. It has been found in many common building products including roofing and flooring products, ceiling artex, floor tiles, pipe lagging and boxing, and fire doors.

Remember, if left undisturbed, asbestos materials in good condition are safe.  Asbestos fibres only become airborne when the material is damaged.