If asbestos is left undisturbed then the risks are minimised.
If you think that you have asbestos in your home – be very careful when handling it. It is advisable to seek professional advice if you want your asbestos removed.
It is very difficult to know whether a product contains asbestos.
Places around the home which may have asbestos:
- eaves, gutters and rainwater fall pipes -asbestos cement
- fire blankets
- boilers
- garage and shed roofs
- linings for walls, ceilings and doors
- insulation panels in some storage heaters
- bath panels
- central heating flues
- loose asbestos packing between floors and in partition walls
- floor tiles
- ironing boards
- ceiling finishes
Useful tips:
- Best to leave asbestos undisturbed
- Only remove asbestos if it cannot be repaired or it is likely to be disturbed
- If disturbing asbestos –
- Protect yourself – wear a facemask, overalls and eye protection – but remember that asbestos fibres are very small and 100% protection cannot be guaranteed.
- Avoid creating asbestos dust – do not saw, sand, scrape or drill holes in asbestos materials
- Do not dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
- Do not use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor which may contain asbestos.
- Do not try to level asbestos floor covering – if you feel it needs replacing – contact a professional – or put new floor covering over it.
- If you have been working with asbestos – do not drag asbestos material through the house.
- Be aware of any asbestos dust which may settle on your clothing – it can be inhaled by others and could prove lethal.
- Dispose of asbestos properly -seek advice from your local environment agency or county council.
- Contact a professional for advice about the identification or removal of asbestos.
Take 5 and stay alive – British Lung Foundation