What is asbestos?Asbestos is a rock mined from the earth - ‘asbestos’ is a generic term for a group of fibrous mineral silicates formed over millions of years crystallised under the influence of volcanic eruption. The types of commercially exploited asbestos include: - Crocidolite – blue asbestos
- Chrysotile – white asbestos
- Amosite – brown asbestos
| |  | | | blue, white and brown asbestos fibres |
Asbestos is a commercial term rather than a scientific or geological one. Why is asbestos considered dangerous?At least 3500 people die each year in the UK from mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer as a result of past exposure to asbestos. Although asbestos is a hazardous material it can only pose a risk to health if the asbestos fibres become airborne and are then inhaled. Therefore, most asbestos materials pose little risk unless they are disturbed in some way that allows the fibres to be released into the atmosphere. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs or lower digestive tract, and asbestosis, a chronic fibrosis of the lungs. Many cases of these diseases are a result of exposure in industries which used asbestos extensively in the past. However, the fact that asbestos was also installed in many buildings means that a wider range of people still have the potential to be exposed – particularly building and maintenance workers. Why was asbestos used so extensively if it is such a hazard?The asbestos minerals ability to resist high temperatures is what made it so useful. The fibre gives protection against fire, corrosion, cold, acids, alkalis, electricity, noise, energy loss, vibration, salt water, frost, dust and vermin. For a long time the dangers of asbestos use were not widely understood. Asbestos related disease generally takes many years, some cases several decades, to develop after exposure. Thus, the scale of the health risks were only becoming known after asbestos had already been widely used and many people had already been exposed. Who is currently at risk of being exposed to asbestos?If disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibres which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibres can remain there for a long time as they are not easily destroyed or degraded. Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard. Persons most likely to be currently exposed to asbestos are those working in building and maintenance trades, and to a lesser extent those involved in asbestos removal (where risks potentially exist unless rigorous precautions are taken.) If you are working as a tradesman such as a plumber or electrician then why not attend one of our Asbestos awareness courses. What should I do if I think my building has asbestos?All those responsible for the maintenance and/or the repair of non-domestic premises have duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. The extent of the legal duty is determined by the terms of any tenancy agreement or contract that applies, and in the absence of any such agreement, on the degree of control the party has over the premises. If you are concerned then call us now on 01582 707117 for a free consultation, or email us at enquiries@asbestos-answers.co.uk and we will get back to you. Asbestos Solutions offer answers to all your asbestos problems | 
