Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was once widely used in construction for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health risks, including mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers.

In the UK, the number of individuals affected by past asbestos exposure continues to rise, with an estimated 5,000 deaths per year. This number far exceeds fatalities caused by road accidents, highlighting the significant ongoing health impact of asbestos exposure.

Although asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999, buildings constructed before 2000 may still contain it. In fact, it is estimated that around 90% of school buildings in England still have asbestos, typically found around pipes, boilers, and within wall and ceiling tiles. 

This underscores the importance of ongoing asbestos management and the need for professional consultancy services to identify and safely manage asbestos risks in older buildings.

When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can cause a range of serious diseases that are responsible for around 5,000 deaths per year in the UK. The four main asbestos-related diseases include:

• Mesothelioma – always fatal
• Lung cancer – almost always fatal
• Asbestosis – can be debilitating
• Pleural thickening – not fatal, but can affect lung function

Asbestos fibres are typically present in the environment at low levels, but exposure increases significantly when working with or near damaged asbestos-containing materials. Breathing in high concentrations of fibres greatly increases the risk of disease, particularly for smokers, who are at an even greater risk of developing lung cancer.

Asbestos-related diseases develop over time, often many years after exposure. This makes it critical to implement effective asbestos management practices to prevent future health risks.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) is the primary law governing asbestos management in the UK. There are several key regulations that outline the legal obligations for the duty holder:

• Duty to Manage Asbestos (Regulation 4) – Duty holders must identify, assess, and manage asbestos risks in non-domestic buildings.
• Asbestos Risk Assessments (Regulation 5) – Employers must conduct refurbishment and demolition surveys before undertaking any work that could disturb asbestos.
• Training Requirements (Regulation 10) – Workers who may come into contact with asbestos must receive appropriate training.
• Air Monitoring and Clearance (Regulation 19 and 20) – Air monitoring and clearance testing are required after licensed asbestos work.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in enforcement action, fines, or prosecution. Contact our team to ensure your asbestos management practices are fully compliant.

Asbestos can be found in a variety of building materials, especially in properties built before 2000. Common locations include:

• Cement products
• Textured coatings
• Floor tiles
• Textiles and composites
• Sprayed coatings on ceilings
• Walls and beams/columns
• Asbestos insulating board
• Lagging
• Loose asbestos in ceiling or floor cavities

It’s important to be aware of these common locations and take appropriate precautions when renovating or maintaining older buildings.

If you suspect a material contains asbestos, do not disturb, alter, or attempt to repair or remove it. You have two options:

1. Treat it as asbestos-containing material (ACM)
2. Have it professionally tested to confirm its asbestos content.

If you come across damaged materials that may contain asbestos, take immediate action to restrict access to the area to prevent exposure. Unless you have the necessary training, seek professional advice on how to handle the situation safely.

Only trained and insured professionals should handle or work on ACMs to ensure proper containment, removal, and disposal, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.