Asbestos, a hazardous material once widely used in construction, can still be found in many UK homes, posing a serious health risk if disturbed. Identifying and managing asbestos properly is crucial to protect yourself and your family. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand asbestos, recognise it in your home, and take the necessary steps to deal with it safely. We will also highlight how you can start a housing disrepair claim.
Understanding the Risks of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral prized for its strength, heat resistance, and affordability. It was widely used in various building materials until its ban in the UK in 1999. However, homes built before this date are likely to contain asbestos.
The danger of asbestos lies in its microscopic fibres. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, these fibres can become airborne and inhaled. Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to severe health conditions, including:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease causing shortness of breath and chest pain.
- Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
These health problems often don’t manifest until decades after exposure, making it crucial to address any potential asbestos risks in your home promptly.
Identifying Asbestos in Your Home
Asbestos can be present in various parts of your home, often hidden within building materials. Some common areas where asbestos might be found include:
- Roofing: Asbestos cement was frequently used for roof tiles, sheets, and guttering.
- Walls and ceilings: Asbestos insulating board was commonly used for wall and ceiling panels, particularly in older properties.
- Flooring: Vinyl floor tiles and their backing often contained asbestos.
- Insulation: Asbestos was used in various insulation materials, including pipe lagging and sprayed coatings.
- Fireproofing: Asbestos was used in sprayed fire protection coatings on structural steelwork.
Identifying asbestos can be challenging as it’s often mixed with other materials. However, some visual clues might indicate the presence of asbestos:
- Age of your home: If your home was built before 2000, there’s a higher chance of asbestos being present.
- Texture: Some asbestos-containing materials have a dimpled or textured surface.
- Labelling: Older materials might have labels indicating asbestos content.
If you suspect asbestos in your home, it’s crucial not to disturb it. Instead, contact a qualified asbestos surveyor to conduct a professional inspection and provide a comprehensive report.
Managing Asbestos Safely
If asbestos is identified in your home, the next step is to manage it safely. The approach will depend on the type of asbestos, its condition, and its location.
- Leave it undisturbed: If the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and not likely to be damaged, the safest option is often to leave it undisturbed. Regular monitoring is recommended to ensure it remains in good condition.
- Encapsulation: This involves sealing the asbestos-containing material with a special sealant to prevent fibre release. This is a suitable option for materials in fair condition that might be prone to damage.
- Removal: In some cases, asbestos removal is necessary, especially if the material is damaged, deteriorating, or likely to be disturbed during renovation work. Asbestos removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor to ensure safe handling and disposal.
Remember, never attempt to remove asbestos yourself. Always seek professional help to ensure your safety and prevent further contamination.
Asbestos and Renovation Projects
If you’re planning renovation or demolition work in your home, it’s crucial to consider asbestos. Before starting any work, have a professional asbestos survey conducted to identify any potential risks.
If asbestos is found, it must be managed safely before any work commences. This might involve encapsulation or removal by a licensed contractor. Failure to address asbestos before renovation can lead to accidental disturbance and release of fibres, putting you and others at risk.
Always inform contractors about the presence of asbestos so they can take necessary precautions and follow safe working practices.
Making a Housing Disrepair Claim with National Claims
At National Claims, we recognise the profound impact that living in a state of disrepair can have on your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’ve been affected by persistent dampness and mould, endured the discomfort of a faulty heating system, or suffered due to structural deficiencies in your home, we believe you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.
We recognise that every housing disrepair case is unique, and we’re here to offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific situation. During this consultation, we’ll listen attentively to your experience, carefully review any evidence you have, and assess the potential strength of your claim. Our team will then connect you with a solicitor from our panel who specialises in housing disrepair claims, ensuring that you receive the expert legal representation needed to navigate the complexities of your case and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
Click below to see why we are one of the most trusted claims management companies in the UK.
We’re proud of our excellent customer reviews
We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.
Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
