My DIY project: Is there an asbestos risk?

This blog was first published on the news section of the Asbestos Limited website and discusses the issue of how we can raise awareness of asbestos. With more of us than ever undertaking DIY projects around our homes it's vitally important that we understand the risks and seek proper advice before carrying out house renovations.

Could my home contain asbestos?

During lockdown DIY projects increased phenomenally and whilst a refurbishment can be a very exciting distraction, how many people stopped and thought about the potential risks?

Prior to knocking down walls and ripping up floorboards, it’s important to consider the age of your home. All buildings built before 2000 have the potential to have Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) present.  

Asbestos awareness needs to get better

Now, in spite of various friends knowing me and what I do for a living (a subject I am very passionate about and bore them silly with), the possibility of asbestos presence is still not at the forefront of their minds when planning DIY or having contractors carry out work. Even my daughter didn’t think to check the artex in her home before having it plastered over, but fortunately our plasterer did.

One of my friends removed their kitchen floor tiles, another knocked a wall out and neither of them had an asbestos test or survey carried out before starting work. One did call me when it was too late and they had already started whilst the other posted her hubby carrying out the work on Facebook, both of which made for a tough conversation from my side.

My question to you all is: If I can’t raise awareness in my friends sufficiently that they stop and think, how do we raise awareness at all?

This is a genuine question. Any help you can give to raise awareness or suggestions to help me raise awareness would be greatly appreciated. This year in Britain, official figures estimate that 5,000 people are likely to die prematurely as a result of asbestos exposure. 

These deaths could have been prevented.

Why was asbestos so widely used?

Asbestos was included in a wide range of materials used to construct homes. It was an attractive addition due to its unique properties including extreme durability and heat resistance. 

Asbestos was used in insulation, ceiling and floor tiles, walls, windows and numerous other places. The wonders of asbestos made the use of ACMs a no brainer and between 1950 and 1985 construction companies pretty much shoved it in everything.

Generally, health risks decrease if asbestos remains fully intact, but if the material seems damaged in any way, broken or worn, fibres can become airborne putting anyone in close proximity at risk of exposure to a number of illnesses, including chronic lung disease, asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer.

For more information please click visit the Health and Safety Executive website.

Contrary to popular belief, Asbestos Containing Materials do not always need to be removed. ACMs that are in good condition and are not likely to be damaged or disturbed are sometimes best left in place and managed.

I think there might be asbestos in my home - what do I do now?

If you fear asbestos might be lurking in your pre 2000 home, please seek professional advice. 

A simple sample test can be conducted if there is an item you are concerned about, or an Asbestos Survey will identify if there is any potential risk from ACMs in your home. 

If you are aware of the risks, you are able to manage them; ignorance is not bliss when exposure comes back and bites you in the future.

For more information, or help with any asbestos management issues you may have, you can contact us either via our Enquiry form or call us on 01634 864550. - we can guide you.

Don't wait and worry.