Breathing in asbestos fibres can be dangerous. It can lead to serious health problems, especially if you’ve been exposed for a long time, if the fibres are a certain type, or if you smoke. That’s why we take asbestos seriously, even if everything looks fine. If there is asbestos in your home, or you think there might be, the safest thing is to leave it alone. Asbestos becomes a problem if it’s damaged or disturbed. What is asbestos? Asbestos was used in houses and flats right up until the late 1990s. It was handy for fireproofing and insulation, but we now know it can be harmful if bits of it get into the air. Where you might find it If your home was built before 1990, asbestos could be in: Pipe or boiler lagging Ceiling tiles or coatings (like Artex) Roof panels or felt Old-style floor tiles Bath panels and fuse boards Garage or shed roofs Guttering, water tanks, and pipes Most of the time, if it’s not broken or damaged, it’s not dangerous. What should you do? Don’t drill, sand, or cut anything you think might have asbestos in it. If you’ve been told it’s there, or you’re worried something might contain it, calls us. Don’t try to sort it yourself. We’ll come and check it, seal it, or get it removed properly and safely. If you’re not sure about asbestos or just want a chat to put your mind at ease, give us a call on 0300 111 0000. If you’re planning some DIY, speak to us first. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
