About Asbestos

Asbestos is a generic term for naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals. It is created by heat change or pressure within rocks. There are several types – the three main ones are white (chrysotile), brown (amosite) and blue (crocidolite).

Mined throughout the world, asbestos was imported into the UK for most of the 20th Century. Due to its versatility it was used in over 1000 different products. The legal usage of asbestos products (other than some specialist areas) was ceased in 2000.

On average for every 100 buildings we survey (built prior to 2000) we would expect to find asbestos products in up to 85% of them.

The health effects of exposure to asbestos are well known (mesathelioma, asbestosis). Asbestos related deaths in the workplace are still increasing. Legislation surrounding asbestos is strict and rightly so. Flouting the law can result in custodial sentences.