Asbestos

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a building product used until 1999 because it can reduce noise and improve heat efficiency. In most circumstances asbestos is safe if it is undamaged and remains sealed in a good condition.

There are six types of asbestos fibre found in building materials. The three most common types are:

• Chrysotile (white)
• Amosite (brown)
• Crocidolite (blue).

When assessing the risk to health it’s more important to know the type of material containing the asbestos than the type of asbestos.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos only poses a health risk if it is damaged or the condition of the material is deteriorating and asbestos fibres are released into the atmosphere.

Asbestos released into the air and breathed in can be dangerous