Asbestos was so widely used in the 20th century. We can be sure that the majority of buildings built before 1985 probably have some asbestos in them. The use of asbestos in building products was not finally stopped until 1999 we can only be confident a building is asbestos free if it was built after 2000.
Anyone working on a property built prior to 2000 might be at danger of being exposed to asbestos fibres unless a check for asbestos is carried out before any work starts.
Regulations to manage asbestos were introduced to reduce the risk. It states that all non domestic buildings must be surveyed for asbestos and when found, a management plan must be put in place. The survey must be made available to everyone who needs to see it, such as builders etc or others who may disturb the building fabric.
People generally believe that products containing asbestos are always releasing dangerous fibres and therefore as soon as they are recognised they should be dealt with. This would actually be counter productive. As soon as the fibres are disturbed, no matter how careful the operative is, it will release a larger quantity of fibres than if the material was left untouched.
Most asbestos containing materials do have a long life. So if left untouched, they could be in place for another 60 or more years. If they are removed in the short term, because the danger has been exaggerated, In the short term a higher than necessary number of fibres will be released into the environment, which would be counter productive.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance, some asbestos fibres are being naturally liberated into the atmosphere all the time. So everyone is exposed to some asbestos fibres at all times, whether working under an asbestos roof, playing in your local park or sailing across the sea. The low natural levels do not cause a danger, they become dangerous when the level of free fibres is increased by the inappropriate use by people.
There is a very large amount of ignorance about the amount of asbestos in products, the quantity in buildings and the hazards associated with asbestos in buildings and property.
When asbestos materials are found, they should be treated with the following advice.
(1)Asbestos materials, which are sound, undamaged and not releasing any fibres should not be disturbed or agitated. The condition should be monitored on a regular basis.
(2)When possible, damaged materials should be repaired and then protected as necessary, provided that the repair will be durable and not likely to be disturbed.
(3)Removal must only be performed when repair is not possible or the material is likely to be disturbed.
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