Asbestos In Buildings & Its Dangers

Asbestos is a group of 6 naturally occurring minerals made of fibres. They can be separated into thin durable threads, is resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and doesn’t conduct electricity hence why it can be used in commercial products and the industry.

Chemically it is a silicate (Silicon and Oxygen). However, these are strictly regulated now because of the health issues asbestos can cause.

Because of its durability and resistances Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials in the 1900s.

Health Risks Involving Asbestos

Disturbed asbestos can release tiny asbestos fibres into the air which can get trapped in the lungs if breathed in and will remain there for an extended period.

Over time these fibres can cause scarring and inflammation which can lead to much more serious health problems and affect breathing.
Asbestos is also a human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancers). One of such cancers it can cause is mesothelioma which it’s main cause is asbestos exposure. It can also cause many other cancers
Asbestos can also cause asbestosis which causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and permanent lung damage
It can also cause pleural disorders including pleural plaques, pleural thickening, and benign pleural effusions.

Where Asbestos is Found in Buildings

Steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts
Resilient floor tiles
Cement sheet, millboard, and paper (used in insulation around furnaces and wood burning stoves)
Door gaskets
Soundproofing or decorative material
Pathing and joint compounds
Asbestos cement roofing, shingles, and siding
Artificial ashes and embers
And many more products and materials

Asbestos in the 1900 was used frequently in products that needed high resistances because it was resistant to many obscurities and was extremely durable. It was also used in building for things such as pipes or fireplace materials (due to its high heat resistance).

Asbestos is however a carcinogenic and can cause many other diseases such as asbestosis or pleural disorders, so it is highly regulated now especially in the UK. Asbestos once found in buildings should be removed immediately.

Why Chose DMP

DMP provide an analysis of properties, in their pre-acquisition surveys or planned maintenance reports which analyse the property and can identify problems such as rotting windows or even asbestos if visible.

Note – We cannot advise on the possible presence of asbestos containing materials where concealed by finishes etc. We would indicate in our report the presence of any such materials seen, but this is not definitive, and it falls outside the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. If a specific asbestos report it required, DMP is able to make suggestions through our Preferred Supplier List.

Furthermore, to learn more about how we think read our interesting news feeds and case studies.