Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Types of Asbestos | Six types, divided into serpentine (chrysotile) and amphibole (amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite) |
| Chrysotile | Most common, used in roofing, cement, and insulation |
| Amosite | Used in construction materials like thermal insulation and insulating board |
| Crocidolite | Known for high-temperature insulation, poses significant health risks |
| Anthophyllite, Tremolite, Actinolite | Less common, often found in contaminated materials |
| Health Risks | Asbestos exposure can cause diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis |
| Regulation History | Usage peaked in the industrial era, with complete UK ban in 1999 |
| Identification and Safety | Proper management and removal necessary to prevent exposure |
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that are composed of long, thin fibrous crystals. Historically valued for its strength and ability to resist heat, electricity and chemical corrosion, your awareness of asbestos and its varieties is important, especially due to the health risks associated with its fibres. When disturbed, these fibres can be inhaled, leading to serious health conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, making proper identification and management of asbestos crucial.
There are six recognised types of asbestos that you might encounter, which fall into two main families: serpentine and amphibole. The single member of the serpentine family is chrysotile, commonly known as white asbestos, which has been widely used in many applications, including roofing materials and insulation. Amphibole asbestos includes five types: amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Each type has its unique properties and uses, although some are more hazardous than others.
Understanding these types is fundamental for your health and safety, especially if you are involved in construction, demolition or renovation of older buildings where asbestos was commonly used. Identifying and managing asbestos properly ensures that you can take the necessary precautions to avoid health risks.
Awareness of the health risks associated with asbestos, particularly mesothelioma and lung cancer, prompted measures to control its use. In the 1970s, regulations began to limit exposure to asbestos fibres, and in 1985, the UK banned some types of asbestos under the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It wasn’t until 1999 that the UK banned all types of asbestos.
Even though the use of asbestos in new construction projects has been prohibited, its legacy endures. You may still find it in older buildings, and it must be managed or removed by specialists to prevent exposure to its dangerous fibres.
Types of Asbestos
As you explore the various types of asbestos, it’s important to recognise that these fibrous minerals have been extensively used due to their durability and resistance to heat. Historically, it’s been a common material in construction and insulation.
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
Chrysotile, the most widely used form of asbestos and belonging to the serpentine family, is notable for its heat resistance. Often found in roofing, cement sheets, and pipes, this type of asbestos consists of curly fibres which are less likely to be inhaled than those of amphibole asbestos.
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
Amosite asbestos, an amphibole form, has historically been used in construction materials, including thermal insulation and insulating board. Its straight, brittle fibres contributed to its use in cement products and pipe insulation due to the material’s strength.
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
Crocidolite, known as blue asbestos and part of the amphibole group, was commonly implemented in high-temperature insulation, boilers, and pipe insulation. Its fine fibres present a notable inhalation hazard and have been linked with severe health risks.
Anthophyllite Asbestos
Among the less common types, anthophyllite asbestos was utilised on a much smaller scale in products like cement and insulating board. Its composition mainly includes magnesium and iron, and it falls under the category of amphibole asbestos.
Tremolite & Actinolite Asbestos
Tremolite and actinolite asbestos are not commercialised like other types but often contaminate other minerals such as vermiculite. Used as an insulation material, these amphibole asbestos variants pose similar health risks to other forms.
Asbestos in Building Materials
Asbestos was widely used in building materials due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. It can be found in various applications, particularly in structures built before the late 1990s. Awareness of where asbestos might be located within your building is crucial for managing potential risks.
Roofing and Wall Cladding
Your home may utilise asbestos cement for roofing and wall cladding, an application known for its weather-resistant qualities. Roofing and cement sheets containing asbestos were commonly installed in residential and industrial buildings. If these materials remain undisturbed and intact, they generally don’t pose a significant health risk.
Insulation
A significant use of asbestos was in insulation material, especially within loft spaces and as insulating board around heaters and boilers. Pipes may also be coated or lined with asbestos-containing insulation for its thermal insulation properties. When assessing or disturbing old insulation, be wary, as it can release asbestos fibres if damaged.
Fireproofing and Adhesives
Asbestos’s ability to withstand high temperatures made it a popular choice for fireproofing materials in structures and for use in adhesives. It can be found in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and even in some coatings used within buildings. Vermiculite insulation, another material used for fireproofing, may also contain asbestos. When dealing with such materials, ensure your safety by seeking guidance before any disturbance.
History of Asbestos Use
Asbestos, a group of natural mineral fibres, has been used for thousands of years, but its popularity peaked during the industrial era. The material’s durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties made it an ideal component in construction, particularly from the late 19th to the mid-20th century.
In World War II, asbestos was crucial due to its resistance to heat and corrosion. It was used extensively in shipbuilding, insulating pipes, boilers, and electrical fixtures. Many buildings from this period, both military and civilian, still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Following the war, asbestos usage continued to rise, and it became a common insulator in homes, school buildings, offices, and as part of consumer goods. The mineral was woven into fabrics, and even featured in textured paints and roofing materials.
| Year | Event |
| 1970s | Awareness of asbestos dangers increases |
| 1985 | UK bans some types of asbestos |
| 1999 | UK bans all types of asbestos |
Legislation and Banning of Asbestos
Asbestos was once a widely used material, but due to its health risks, it has been banned or heavily restricted in many countries. You should be aware of the key regulations and guidelines, which vary by location, to understand the legal status of asbestos use and management.
Country-Specific Regulations
In the UK, asbestos is no longer in use; the substance was banned fully in 1999. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out clear duties, especially Regulation 4, which pertains to the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. The regulations require duty holders to locate and assess the condition of asbestos, ensuring that the risk of harm is effectively managed.
Across the Atlantic, in the United States, the use of asbestos is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Complete banning has been a complex issue, with various attempts, such as the Asbestos Ban and Phase-Out Rule of 1989, being overturned. However, certain uses of asbestos are banned under the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the EPA continues to evaluate and regulate asbestos-containing materials through the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act and other pieces of legislation.
World Health Organization Guidelines
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the global elimination of asbestos-related diseases. Although it recognizes that there’s no safe level of exposure to asbestos, the WHO guidelines serve as a resource for countries without a formal ban, promoting the idea that the most effective way to prevent exposure is through the cessation of all asbestos use. The WHO guidelines stress the importance of replacing asbestos with safer alternatives and implement systems to prevent occupational exposure.
Asbestos and Health
When it comes to asbestos and health, it’s essential to understand that exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health conditions, including asbestosis and cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Asbestos-Related Diseases
Exposure to asbestos significantly heightens your risk of developing respiratory diseases. Mesothelioma, a severe form of cancer, affects the lining of the lungs and is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Lung cancer can also be asbestos-related, similar in symptoms and outcomes to lung cancer caused by smoking. Asbestosis is another condition resulting from asbestos exposure, characterised by scarring of the lung tissue, which leads to breathing difficulties. Other conditions like pleural thickening, pleural plaques, and general pleural disease are commonly identified in those with a history of asbestos exposure, contributing to various health issues, including chest pain and a reduction in lung function.
Exposure Risks
Asbestos fibres are most harmful when they become airborne and are inhaled. The degree of risk is directly associated with the dose of fibres inhaled and the duration of exposure. In the workplace, craftsmen like firefighters, construction workers, or industrial employees face heightened risks due to the increased likelihood of encountering asbestos. Regulations require workplaces to manage these risks through an asbestos survey and the implementation of appropriate safety measures. It’s important for you to understand that even low levels of exposure, especially in children, can significantly increase the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases later in life.
Health and Safety Regulations
In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces strict asbestos regulations to protect both workers and the public from the dangers of asbestos exposure. These regulations mandate the proper identification, management, and disposal of asbestos. Whether in public or private buildings, strict compliance with safety measures, including proper asbestos surveys and risk assessments, are designed to minimise the risk of asbestos exposure and its associated diseases. If you own or manage a property, these regulations mean that you are responsible for managing any asbestos it may contain.
Asbestos Identification and Removal
When dealing with asbestos, identifying its presence in structures is critical and must be followed by appropriately managed removal. Your safety, and that of others, depends on careful adherence to legal guidelines and procedures.
Detecting Asbestos in Structures
Before commencing any renovation or demolition work, it’s essential to confirm whether asbestos is present. An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection conducted within buildings to locate and assess the presence and condition of materials containing asbestos. If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, you should arrange for a professional survey. You will receive a detailed report that outlines if and where asbestos is found, the type present, and its condition.
Asbestos Abatement Procedures
Upon identifying asbestos, the next phase is asbestos abatement, a process that involves either removal or encapsulation. Removal is advisable when asbestos materials are severely damaged or will be disturbed during building works. For this, you’ll need to hire licensed professionals who carry out the work safely, in compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. Alternatively, if the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are intact, encapsulation – a treatment to contain the fibres – may be applied.
Disposal and Containment
After removal, strict procedures must be followed for disposal and containment. Asbestos waste is classified as hazardous and can only be disposed of at licensed sites. Transporting the waste requires following the guidance issued by your local council, which will usually involve double-bagging and labelling the materials correctly. Note that unauthorised dumping of asbestos is illegal and carries severe penalties.
Throughout the process, always ensure compliance with workplace health guidelines to minimise the risk of asbestos-related health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
When discussing asbestos, it’s essential to recognise the most encountered types and understand the risks associated with them.
What are the names of the three most prevalent types of asbestos?
The three most prevalent types of asbestos are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Each type has distinct properties and levels of health risks.
Which type of asbestos is commonly referred to as white asbestos?
Chrysotile is commonly referred to as white asbestos and is the most commonly used form of this mineral. It has been widely used in a variety of building materials.
What is the usual colour of crocidolite, often known as blue asbestos?
The usual colour of crocidolite, commonly known as blue asbestos, is a deep, fibrous blue. It’s known for its excellent resistance to heat.
Can you identify the brown form of asbestos by its name?
The brown form of asbestos is known as amosite. It is predominantly found in African regions and was used mainly in insulation and construction products.
Which types of asbestos-related diseases are most frequently diagnosed?
The most frequently diagnosed asbestos-related diseases include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Each condition results from asbestos fibre inhalation and can take years to develop.
What asbestos-containing materials are encountered most often?
Materials often containing asbestos include insulation, floor tiles, roofing, and pipe cement among others. These materials can become hazardous when damaged or during removal.