Facts about asbestos - where it may be used and what to do if you find it in your home.
This information is based on the booklet ‘Asbestos in the Home’ published by the DETR (the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions) in 1999. More information can be found in our leaflet "Asbestos in Your Home".
Click here to download a copy.
Introduction
This information addresses concerns and questions about asbestos in homes. It explains what it is, where it is found, why it might be a problem and how to deal with it. Asbestos fibres are strong and resistant to heat and chemicals. This has led to their use in a wide range of building materials and products, often as fireproofing.
Properties built since the mid-1980s are very unlikely to contain asbestos in the fabric of the building. Properties built after 1990 are extremely unlikely to contain asbestos anywhere in the building. Asbestos cement has been widely used as a cladding material and can still be found in garages and sheds.
Why may asbestos be a problem?
When asbestos materials age or become damaged they can release fibres into the air. These can be breathed deep into the lung where they may stay for a long time, causing possible damage. When very high levels of these fibres are breathed in there is a risk of lung diseases, including cancer.