Anyone considering buying an older house should look out for the presence of asbestos. This is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous materials used widely in construction during the 1960s and 70s. Asbestos was used mainly for lagging pipe and steelwork, fire proofing in doors and walls and in cement roofing. It is still present in many buildings from the era, both residential and commercial, and can pose a seriously health risk if disturbed or damaged.
The main types of asbestos likely to be found in homes are:
- Chrysotile – white asbestos
- Amosite – blue asbestos
- Crocidolite – blue asbestos
When materials containing asbestos are broken adn damaged, the fibres become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs. All three forms of asbestos can cause a variety of diseases with the most common being asbestosis and help/default.asp?page=4388″ target=”_blank”>mesothelioma.
Common places to look for asbestos around a property include:-
- garage or shed roofs
- wall panels
- drain pipes
- insulation boards
- infill panels
- partitions
- bath panels
- decorative coatings such as Artex
If you do find asbestos in your home don’t panic! Asbestos is usually safe unless it is in a poor condition. There are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure safety when confronted with asbestos in your home.
- Asbestos cement should be left alone unless it is damaged or disturbed.
- Never drill, sand or attempt to saw through suspected asbestos material.
- Painting asbestos cement can help prevent the migration of asbestos fibres to the air.
- If you cover up asbestos make a note of where it is so that you are not exposed to asbestos fibres in subsequent DIY work.
- If in any doubt always seek professional advice.
- Remember that asbestos lagging, coating and large area of insulation board have to removed and disposed of by licensed contractors.
If you want to remove asbestos cement yourself, these basic steps should be taken:
- Wear protective clothing. This includes disposable overalls, dust mask(EN149 with FFPT filters) and gloves.
- Take time to carefully prepare the area in which asbestos is located.
- Placedisposable polythene sheeting on the floor.
- Damp down the asbestos cement (do not soak). This will inhibit the ability of fibres to get into the air.
- Remove the asbestos cement without damaging it in anyway and place in apolythene bag. Seal the bag with duct tape.
- Clean up all debris and wipe the area with a damp cloth.
- DO NOT USE A VACUUM CLEANER.
- Dispose of overall and gloves in the sameway as the asbestos.
- Wash your hands and face thoroughly.
