No items found.
Throughout much of the 20th century, homes across the UK were kept warm thanks to asbestos insulation. However, as the health hazards associated with this fibrous mineral became more apparent, its use declined and it was eventually banned entirely in the UK in 1999.
Asbestos itself is a naturally occurring mineral mined from below the earth’s surface. It was then processed into a huge range of different forms, from insulation to even clothing. Asbestos insulation can vary in its makeup, with some forms containing a blend of asbestos and other materials, and others being almost completely asbestos.
Asbestos was widely used as a building material for things such as insulation; it was cheap to produce, fire-resistant and highly insulative.
Asbestos is composed of millions of tiny fibres. When disturbed, these fibres can become airborne, before being inhaled. Exposure to asbestos, often decades later as diseases are long latency, can lead to the development of complex, health conditions including mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Even today, a quarter of a century after asbestos use was banned in the UK, it still kills around 5,000 people a year in Britain.
Asbestos insulation can came in a variety of different forms, including:
These were solid blocks of insulation that were glued to the inside of walls. In many cases, these were made of nearly pure asbestos. They can often be found in walls, floors and ceilings.
This is one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos insulation, and comes in two variations:
• Asbestos Air-Cell Insulation – This type of pipe insulation will resemble cardboard or paper, with an off-white or grey colour.
• Asbestos Wool Insulation – This fluffy-looking material was a very common form of insulation for pipes in all kinds of properties.
Much like pipe insulation, asbestos loose fill insulations loose nature means fibres are very easily released.
Loose fill insulation is usually fluffy looking and can be found in lofts as well as inside walls.
Usually grey and lumpy in appearance, spray-on insulation was usually applied directly to ceilings and composed almost entirely of asbestos.
A professional asbestos surveyor should also be able to advise on the best next steps, whether that is removal or ongoing management.
At EMS we can help you accurately determine whether your property contains asbestos insulation and provide practical next steps to safely manage the situation. Get in touch today, call us on now 0800 358 1110, email us at info@emsgroupuk.com or fill out our contact form here.
