Asbestos, once heralded for its durability and resistance to fire, heat, and electrical damage, has left a complex legacy, particularly in the construction of residential and commercial buildings.
Before its UK-wide ban in 1999, asbestos was extensively used in various construction materials. Understanding where asbestos might be found in residential and commercial settings is crucial for managing and mitigating health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Below, we explore common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) specific to both residential and commercial buildings.
Residential Buildings Asbestos Containing Materials
In homes, particularly those constructed before the late 20th century, asbestos can lurk in several unsuspecting places:
Roofing and Rainwater Goods: Asbestos cement was commonly used in corrugated roofing, cladding sheets, gutters, and downpipes due to its durability and water resistance.
Interior Finishes: Textured coatings like Artex, popular for decorative finishes on walls and ceilings, may contain asbestos. Its use was widespread for creating patterned or stippled effects that were often painted over, making it harder to identify.
Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles are a notable example, often backed with asbestos paper or containing asbestos within the tile composition itself.
Insulation and Fireproofing: Asbestos was used in loose-fill insulation, pipe lagging, and as fire protection to steelwork, doors, and protected exits.
Other Common Areas: Window sills, bath panels, and even toilet seats and cisterns made from asbestos composites can be found in older homes
Commercial Buildings Asbestos Containing Materials
Commercial properties, including offices, factories, and public buildings, also harbour asbestos in many forms:
Insulation and Sprayed Coatings: Used extensively for boilers, plant insulation, lagging to pipework, and fire protection to steelwork. These applications took advantage of asbestos's excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB): Found in fire doors, protected exits, internal walls, partitions, and ceiling tiles for fire, heat, and sound protection.
Roofing and Cladding: Asbestos cement and corrugated sheets were used for roofing and wall cladding in industrial buildings, warehouses, and garages.
Flooring and Composites: Like in residential settings, vinyl and floor tiles, as well as adhesives and composites such as toilet cisterns and seats, were made durable with asbestos
Management and Safety
Understanding the presence and condition of ACMs is paramount for both residential and commercial property owners. The key to managing asbestos risk is not necessarily removal but ensuring that ACMs remain undamaged and undisturbed.
Professional asbestos surveys and testing are crucial steps in identifying the presence of asbestos and deciding on the appropriate management or removal strategy.
For residential settings, it's recommended to avoid DIY or renovations that could disturb asbestos, while commercial buildings require adherence to strict legal duties for asbestos management and removal.
In conclusion, while asbestos poses significant health risks, informed management and careful handling can mitigate these risks. Whether in residential or commercial properties, understanding where asbestos may be present is the first step in protecting occupants and workers from exposure.