Asbestos Removal Edinburgh - What is asbestos and how to identify it

Here at Core Asbestos Scotland our Asbestos Removal in Edinburgh team advise those who are looking to buy an older property, or those who live in an older property to educate themselves on what asbestos is and how to identify it. This is particularly important if you are looking to have any building work done.

According to statistics provided by CPD Online College, approximately 13 people die from health conditions related to asbestos exposure each day. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlight that asbestos can be found in any domestic or industrial building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000. It is thought over 50% of homes in the UK contain asbestos. 

To help residents in Edinburgh and the surrounding area, our Asbestos Removal Edinburgh team have put together a guide explaining what asbestos is, the common places in your property where it can be found and the steps you should take to identify it. Read on to learn more.

What is asbestos?

Our Asbestos Removal in Edinburgh team understand that asbestos is a mineral. Due to its hardiness and fire resistance is has been commonly used in building materials. Unfortunately, it has only been recently found that asbestos poses serious respiratory health risks, including lung cancer. The danger with asbestos occurs when it is disturbed or damaged and breaks up. The fibers are then able to become airborne. The more regular and longer a person is exposed to asbestos increases the risk of developing a serious health condition.  For professional advice on asbestos contact our Asbestos Removal Edinburgh team today.

Common places asbestos is found

Here at Core Asbestos Scotland, our Asbestos Removal Edinburgh team understand all types of asbestos could legally be utilised up until 1985. Asbestos was used in buildings of all types, including homes, schools, commercial buildings, factories etc. For this reason, any tradesperson (plumber, electrician, painter and decorator etc.) working in an older building should be cautious. Any disruption could lead to asbestos exposure. 

To help educate our website visitors, our Asbestos Removal in Edinburgh team have listed some common places in buildings where asbestos can be found.

• Ceilings – asbestos was common in the makeup of ceilings such as artex, or spray on paint for ceiling tiles.

• Insulation – our Asbestos Removal Edinburgh team understand that between 1920 – 1980 asbestos insulation was used in internal roof spaces. If you believe the insulation in your attic contains asbestos it is definitely worth getting it tested.

• Old stoves and fireplaces – fire resistant materials used in stoves and fireplaces, in older properties, are likely to contain asbestos. We recommend you get the materials tested.

• Interior wall paint – asbestos filler was a common ingredient in interior paint, because of its fireproof properties.

• Plaster – our Asbestos Removal in Edinburgh team, advise the majority of plaster in homes is asbestos free, unless it is fire protected. Plaster containing asbestos, is most prevalent in buildings beings used for a commercial purpose. However, if your home was built pre-1980, the plaster may contain asbestos. It is well worth getting it tested if you are planning any renovations.

• Garages and garden sheds – roof panels and tiles containing asbestos are common on older garages and sheds.

• Carpet underlay and floor tiles – very occasionally, our Asbestos Removal Edinburgh team have dealt with carpet underlay and floor tiles that contain asbestos. 

• Boiler, pipe and water heater insulation – boiler, pipes and water heaters can be wrapped in insultation that contains asbestos.

• Cement pipes – Cement pipes used to be manufactured with asbestos. These are especially dangerous, as the pipe deteriorates over time the asbestos fibres can be released.

How to identify asbestos 

If you believe your residential, commercial or industrial property contains asbestos, you should hire a qualified professional to survey and run some tests on a sample of the material. Here at Core Asbestos Removal Edinburgh, we offer comprehensive asbestos services including asbestos surveys, testing and removal. Contact a member of our friendly team today.