- What is asbestos?
-
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral and
has been used for about 150 years on a large scale. It is
versatile, plentiful and ideal as a fire-proofing and insulation
material. The small incombustible fibres are easily inhaled or
swallowed, causing a number of serious and fatal diseases including
asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and other cancers.
- What types of asbestos are there?
-
There are three main types of asbestos that have been
commercially used in the UK. These are Crocidolite (Blue), Amosite
(Brown), Chrysotile (White). All types of asbestos are dangerous
but blue and brown are more dangerous than white.
- Why is asbestos dangerous?
-
If you inhale asbestos fibres which are long and thin they can
become lodged in the tissue of your chest and your body's natural
defences may not be able to easily break them down. This can lead
to lung diseases (mainly cancers), particularly if you are
repeatedly exposed to fibres over a number of years.
- When is asbestos safe?
-
Generally, asbestos is only a risk if you disturb or damage it
and cause fibres to be released into the air. If asbestos
containing materials (ACM's) are in good condition and in a
position where they are not going to be disturbed or damaged, then
it is safer to leave them where they are and ensure that the risks
are managed.