What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and was widely used in the construction of buildings. Asbestos was included in a huge number of construction products, for a very diverse range of uses, often centered around fireproofing or insulation purposes.
Is asbestos not a historical problem?
Asbestos is still widely present today. Potentially any building built or refurbished before the year 2000, may contain Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s). Do you know if your building contains Asbestos Containing Materials?
Why is asbestos dangerous?
When asbestos containing materials are damaged or deteriorate with age, they can release fibres into the air. The shape and size of the fibres released enables them to penetrate deep into the lungs. Once they reach the lungs they can lead to asbestos related diseases, such as;
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Pleural thickening
- Asbestos related lung cancer
When was asbestos used in buildings and homes in the UK?
Building materials containing asbestos were widely used from 1930 to around 1980, particularly from the 1960s onwards. So, houses, offices, schools, and flats built or refurbished at this time may contain asbestos materials.
What to do?
Having as asbestos survey completed can identify if asbestos is present within your premises. Identification, by way of sampling and assessment of materials within a building that may contain asbestos, can reduce the risk of damage occurring to materials that may present. Once identified, any materials identified that contain asbestos should be recorded and monitored on an asbestos register. This greatly reduces the risk of a potential exposure to asbestos by occupants of the premises.
How can summit environmental help?
Summit Environmental Limited can complete asbestos management surveys, asbestos refurbishment surveys and asbestos demolition surveys to locate materials that may contain asbestos in your premises.
