Asbestos – the outlawed ‘miracle mineral’

Did you know that Britain used to be one of the world’s largest importers of asbestos? Originally nicknamed the ‘miracle mineral’, asbestos is actually made up of six, naturally occurring minerals. With fibres that are strong, heat and chemical resistant, and don’t dissolve in water or evaporate, the material was once used to insulate fire doors, water tanks and pipes, and to produce roofing sheets, floor tiles and paints.

Asbestos isn’t considered harmful in large pieces, but when damaged or disturbed, it releases tiny carcinogenic fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled without a person even noticing. Once inside the body, they can start to cause serious health problems. It can take decades for symptoms of asbestos-related problems to appear, by which time the fibres may have wreaked internal damage.

Although banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos is still found in many old buildings. People involved in demolition work, building repairs and maintenance risk being exposed to higher levels of asbestos. But not all asbestos-containing materials need to be removed; some can remain in situ as long as the risks are managed.

If you’re worried about asbestos, email Sally, our Surveying Services Manager. Qualified in P405 Asbestos Management in Buildings (including Asbestos Removal), Sally carries out condition surveys of asbestos-containing materials and can help you keep your asbestos management plans up to date.