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Asbestos use during the 20th century was prolific, its extensive and varied uses meant that asbestos found its way into everything from telephones to clothing and even paint.
In this guide, EMS are going to delve into what asbestos paint is, why and how there is asbestos in paint, what it was used for, where it can be found, how to spot it, why it is dangerous and what to do if next if you suspect it.
Asbestos paint was commonly used in the 20th century. Asbestos containing materials were mixed into the paint to provide additional durability and heat resistance. As a result, asbestos paint is very strong and durable, resistant to fire and even provides thermal insulation.
It was particularly common during the middle of the twentieth century but began to decline in use with time, eventually its use was prohibited in the UK along with all forms of asbestos in 1999.
Asbestos paint in the UK was prized for a number of uses:
The inclusion of asbestos in paint made it ideal for applying to walls and ceilings in both domestic and commercial properties. It made for a durable surface, able to withstand daily wear, and provided additional thermal insulation.
Asbestos paint was commonly applied to commercial and industrial pipework to help protect the pipes and improve insulation, ensuring better thermal regulation for heating or cooling pipes.
Steel is an incredibly durable material, but it is prone to rust when exposed to the elements. Asbestos paint helped to protect structural steel and extend its lifespan with a durable coating.
Adding asbestos to paint made it ideal for high-wear, moisture-heavy environments such as ships and industrial facilities, guarding important components and structures from wear and decay.
Throughout commercial buildings, schools and hospitals, asbestos paint was a practical, affordable solution to safeguarding pipework, structural components and even walls from everyday wear and tear.
Asbestos paint, used UK-wide in the last century, can be found in everything from homes to commercial, retail and industrial properties. It was applied to ceilings, walls, pipes, structural components and much more.
Asbestos was once a favourite of the construction industry because it was cheap, durable and heat resistant, meaning it was commonly featured in buildings of all kinds in one form or another.
Due to the inclusion of asbestos fibres, asbestos paint is usually thicker than normal paint and has a rougher surface and a chalkier texture.
One of the best indicators of whether your building contains asbestos paint or indeed asbestos of any kind is its age. If your property was built or refurbished before 1999, then it may contain asbestos. Buildings constructed after 2000 should be asbestos-free.
Professional inspection is the safest, most accurate means of determining the presence of asbestos in paint. Trained, experienced asbestos surveyors will conduct visual inspections and sampling of any suspected ACMs for laboratory analysis at a UKAS accredited laboratory.
Testing for asbestos in paint is conducted by a professional asbestos surveyors such as EMS. Asbestos surveys take three main different forms:
But all follow a similar approach including sampling suspect asbestos containing materials:
When asbestos is sealed within another material also described as being bonded into a matrix, such as paint, it is often relatively low risk. However, as the surrounding material ages or if it is disturbed, the likelihood of asbestos being released increases. Asbestos is the largest occupational killer in the UK, claiming around 5,000 people lives a year in the UK.
Asbestos also poses a significant environmental hazard. Once released, either naturally or through improper disposal, it can contaminate soil and rivers. Asbestos does not biodegrade and will remain in the environment until it is removed.
The safest and most accurate way to determine the presence of asbestos in paint at your property is to book a professional asbestos survey. At EMS, we employ a team of expert, qualified and UKAS-accredited surveyors offering asbestos surveys in Hereford, Worcester, London and across the UK.
To book your survey, call us now on 0800 358 1100, email us at info@emsgroupuk.com or fill out our contact form.
It can be difficult to tell whether there is asbestos in paint. The only accurate way to tell is by arranging a professional asbestos survey or sampling.
While asbestos in paint in the UK became gradually less popular after the 1950s, its use continued until the outright ban of asbestos in 1999.
Asbestos was added to paint throughout most of the 20th century, until it was banned in the UK in 1999.
It is possible to seal some asbestos materials safer by painting them over with a sealant emulsion.
The main types of asbestos used in sprayed coatings and paint were chrysotile (white), crocidolite (blue) and amosite (brown).
