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Between the 1870s and 2000, the UK was built with asbestos. Particularly during the early 20th century, it was thought to be a miracle material and was used to create everything from building materials to toilet cisterns and was a key construction material during the post-war construction boom. Because of this widespread usage, it is commonplace and can be very difficult to identify.
So, the question ‘What does asbestos look like?’ Is not a simple one to answer. In our decades of experience in asbestos surveys as well as non-licensed asbestos removals, we have encountered a huge variety of asbestos products. In this guide, we are going to review some of the common different forms that asbestos can take and products it can be found in.
Warning: While this information can be useful to help you spot and avoid asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) yourself, always consult with an expert before approaching or handling any ACMs. The potential health risks of asbestos exposure are very severe. If you suspect ACMs exist in your property, call our team now on 01432 263333.
• Common colours: White, brown, pink and grey
• Used between: 1880s – 1970s
Asbestos pipe insulation is a fibrous-looking coating that was applied to pipework in buildings constructed throughout the 20th century. It is usually white, pink, brown or grey in colour and poses a very high risk to health due to the ease with which it releases fibres. Its texture makes it easy to distinguish from modern uPVC foam insulation.
• Common colours: Light and dark grey
• Used between: 1880s - 1980
Asbestos boards were seen as an ideal way to provide ‘safe’, cost-effective housing for the masses particularly during the post-war housing boom in the UK. and they are still a feature of properties across Britain. They are usually either light or dark grey in colour and have a high potential to release harmful fibres. They were used in everything from walls and ceilings to ironing boards.
• Common colours: Usually white
• Used between: 1880s - 1990s
Asbestos ceiling coatings such as Artex are usually white, but can be almost any colour. They were popular between the ‘70s and ‘90s and allowed for the application of textured ceiling finishes without the need for plastering skills. They are usually relatively low risk as long they are not disturbed and are sealed in a layer of emulsion. However, if you are planning any renovations, you should contact an expert for a survey and safe removal first. If you are wondering ‘How much does an asbestos survey cost?’ Read our guide to find out.
• Common colours: Grey or off white
• Used between: 1880s - 1990s
Much like asbestos insulating boards, asbestos plaster was a common choice in construction during the housing boom of the mid-20th century. Like Artex, it is usually non-harmful if undisturbed and coated in paint, but caution should be taken before making any renovations. Asbestos refurbishment surveys can help you determine the risk posed by any ACMs in your property prior to any refurbishment or renovation works, keeping staff and occupants safe.
• Common colours: Light or dark grey
• Used between: 1880s - 2000
Asbestos roofing is a form of asbestos cement, favoured thanks to its fire-resistant properties and cost-effectiveness. It is often corrugated but can be flat in profile and is usually grey. Asbestos roofing is brittle and relatively easy to damage, but is unlikely to release fibres unless damaged. However, because of the risk of damage when moved, it requires expert handling to remove and dispose of it safely.
• Common colours: White, brown and blue
• Used between: 1880s – 1970s
Sprayed asbestos coatings and insulation were commonly used as an easy, cost-effective way to provide thermal insulation in a range of buildings and structures. It is usually white but can also be brown or blue depending on the type of asbestos used. Especially when unpainted or unsealed, this form of asbestos can be highly dangerous, being very likely to disperse fibres.
• Common colours: Usually white
• Used between: 1880s – 2000
Asbestos textiles were commonly used in items such as gaskets but also for many other items from rope to protective clothing. In many cases, they can be found today in places where they are unlikely to be disturbed. However, thanks to their flexible nature, asbestos textiles are easy to damage and can release large amounts of fibres if moved.
• Common colours: Red, green, pink and black
• Used between: 1900s – 2004
Cars and motorcycles over a certain age are likely to contain asbestos products. At EMS, we regularly conduct asbestos surveys on classic vehicles and find ACMs everywhere from brake systems to engine components. The most common use of asbestos was for brake pads and shoes, but mechanics also frequently cut their own gaskets from asbestos textile sheets. In the past, we have surveyed a collection of vintage motorcycles, a 1973 MGB GTV8, a 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider and a 1951 MKVI Special Bentley.
• Common colours: Red, green and pink
• Used between: 1880s - 2000
Asbestos gaskets were made using compressed asbestos fibres and textiles, providing strong seals and excellent heat resistance. However, these gaskets are hazardous if disturbed, as they are likely to release fibres into the air. They are usually red, green or pink and can be found in pipe systems dating from the 20th century.
• Common colours: White
• Used between: 1880s - 2000
Asbestos paper is often up to 100% asbestos but is usually sealed within other products, mitigating the risk of fibre release. However, if the surrounding materials are damaged, fibre release becomes very likely. It is usually white in colour as a result of the variety of asbestos used to create it and looks much like wood-based paper or very thin asbestos textile. It is commonly found within flooring materials but has had a wide variety of uses
• Common colours: Any, but usually white, grey or cream.
• Used between: 1880s - 2000
Identifying asbestos floor tiles can be difficult, as they resemble materials such as linoleum or plastic. Because the asbestos is encased within the tile and sealed in other materials, the likelihood of fibre release is relatively low, but asbestos tiles can still pose a risk if handled improperly or damaged. They can be any colour, but were typically manufactured in white, grey or cream colours and commonly used in public buildings built during the post-war boom, such as schools, hospitals and civic buildings.
• Common colours: Any, but usually black
• Used between: 1880s – 1990s
Asbestos resin closely resembles normal plastic. It is usually black in colour and quite hard and brittle. The risk of fibre exposure is typically low, as the asbestos is sealed within the resin itself, but it can still pose a health risk if handled incorrectly or damaged. Asbestos resins were used to create everything from toilet cisterns to telephones, as well as a range of other furnishings and decorative items.
• Common colours: Grey or white
• Used between: 1930s – 1980s
Loose fill asbestos insulation is highly dangerous. Its loose nature means that the harmful fibres are very easily disturbed and inhaled. If you think you can see loose fill asbestos insulation anywhere in your property, commercial or domestic, keep your distance and contact the professionals. It is usually grey or white in colour and resembles loose cotton fluff or dust. It was used in ceilings and walls in homes and commercial buildings across the UK between the ‘30s and ‘80s.
• Common colours: White
• Used between: 1930s – 1990s
Asbestos fire doors were favoured thanks to the natural heat resistance that asbestos offers. They can be very difficult to distinguish from other fire doors without invasive, dangerous investigations. Because the asbestos is sealed within the doors, the danger they present is relatively low. However, as with all ACMs, if the door’s structure is ever damaged or begins to age, the asbestos can be disturbed, and fibres can be released. It is always advisable to consult an expert if you suspect your building contains asbestos fire doors, as they can conduct an asbestos management survey and provide advice for managing the risk responsibly.
• Common colours: White or grey
• Used between: 1920s – 1990s
Asbestos textiles were used to insulate components in electrical systems throughout much of the 20th century. It provided excellent thermal and electrical insulation, but the flexible nature of the material means that fibres are very easily disturbed and inhaled. Even today, asbestos exposure kills six electricians every week. Look for white or grey fibrous wrappings on older electrical systems or used as seals for doors on items such as fuse boxes.
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your commercial or domestic building, do not approach it yourself, call the experts. At EMS, we have been conducting asbestos surveys since 2003, helping businesses and homeowners across the UK mitigate asbestos-related hazards.
For asbestos surveys throughout the UK, call our team now on 01432 263333, email us at info@emsgroupuk.com or fill out our contact form here.
Once believed to be derived from the hair of a woolly lizard, traces of asbestos use have been dated as far back as 750,000 years. Between 2,000 and 3,000 BCE, the ancient Egyptians were using asbestos cloth to wrap their dead; a practice that continued across the world, through the early middle ages and well into the medieval period. During the 17th century, asbestos was even used to create fire-proof wallets for the wealthy to protect their paper notes from flames.
Modern asbestos production began in the late 19th century, and this mistakenly dubbed ‘wonder material’ began to find its way into everything from building materials to plastics. The risks of asbestos exposure began to be studied as early as the late 1800s but were repeatedly hidden from the public until the 1970s.
As the dangers became more apparent, and more cases of related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis began to appear, the use of asbestos started to decline. It was banned in all its forms in 1999 in the UK, although some products such as asbestos brake pads were permitted to continue to be used until 2004.
No. Asbestos in all its forms is dangerous and linked to long-term, fatal health complications including mesothelioma and asbestosis – it still kills around 5,000 people every year in the UK alone.
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your property, whether domestic or commercial:
• Avoid the area
• Cordon it off to protect others
• Call an expert for an asbestos survey
Asbestos usage has been outlawed in the UK since 1999. Today, its ongoing management is governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. These regulations outline the legal responsibilities of duty holders to ensure the regular inspection of asbestos as well as how it should be handled and disposed of. To learn more about when asbestos surveys are needed, read our guide: ‘When is an asbestos survey needed?’
Because it was used in such a wide array of products and materials, asbestos can be hard to spot without scientific sampling. The best way to determine the presence of asbestos is to contact an expert surveyor. They can conduct a range of surveys including sampling, asbestos demolition surveys, asbestos refurbishment surveys and asbestos management surveys, depending on your needs.
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