Asbestos was widely used in UK buildings until its ban in 1999 due to its strength, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, this once-popular material is now known for a much darker reason: its ability to cause serious health problems when disturbed. One of the biggest risks is asbestos lung cancer, along with mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Even today, many older homes, schools, and workplaces still contain asbestos materials. That’s why understanding how asbestos exposure happens and how to prevent it, is crucial for your health and safety.
How Does Asbestos Exposure Happen?
Asbestos becomes dangerous when it’s disturbed. This might occur during renovation, demolition, or even simple maintenance if materials start to degrade. When broken or damaged, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) release tiny fibres into the air. These fibres are invisible to the naked eye and, when inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and remain there for years.
The danger is not always obvious. You might be drilling into a ceiling tile or pulling up old flooring without realising these materials contain asbestos. Even short-term exposure can be harmful if fibre levels are high enough.
Health Risks Linked to Asbestos
Long-term exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to several life-threatening diseases. The most serious of these include:
- Asbestos lung cancer; a cancer that affects the lung tissue directly due to inhaled fibres.
- Mesothelioma; a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
- Asbestosis; a chronic lung disease caused by scar tissue forming inside the lungs.
These illnesses typically take 10–40 years to develop, which makes early prevention and identification all the more important.
Where Asbestos Exposure Happens Most
You may encounter asbestos in buildings constructed before 2000, particularly those from the 1950s–1980s. Common places to find asbestos include:
- Ceiling and wall coatings (e.g. Artex)
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Pipe insulation and boiler lagging
- Loft insulation and cavity walls
- Garage roofs and cement sheets
Because asbestos was used so widely, it’s often impossible to tell what contains it just by looking. This is why professional assessments are vital.
Who Is at Risk?
People working in construction, maintenance, plumbing, roofing, or demolition are at higher risk, especially if they work in buildings built before 2000. But even homeowners carrying out DIY projects can unknowingly disturb ACMs.
Older homes, schools, hospitals, and factories often have asbestos hidden in insulation, pipe lagging, floor tiles, textured coatings like Artex, and roof sheets. If you’re unsure whether your property contains asbestos, a professional inspection is essential.
The Role of an Asbestos Management Survey
An asbestos management survey is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises built before 2000 and is highly recommended for older homes. It’s designed to identify and assess ACMs so they can be safely managed.
The survey helps building owners, landlords, and employers to understand the location, amount, and condition of any asbestos present. Based on the findings, a plan can be developed to ensure it remains undisturbed or is removed safely if necessary.
What is Asbestos Risk Assessment?
Once asbestos has been identified, the next step is an asbestos risk assessment. This process evaluates how likely the material is to be disturbed, who might be exposed, and what the potential health risks are.
The risk assessment forms the basis for deciding whether the asbestos needs to be removed, repaired, encapsulated, or simply monitored over time. It’s a key part of staying compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Why Professional Support Matters
Asbestos is not something you can deal with on your own. Testing, surveys, and removal must be done by trained professionals using specialised equipment and strict safety procedures. DIY handling not only puts you at risk but may also breach legal regulations.
Professional consultants follow the correct protocols to sample, test, and manage asbestos safely. They also ensure all necessary documentation and compliance steps are followed, protecting both people and property.
Why Should You Partner With Scopus Asbestos Compliance Ltd?
If you suspect asbestos in your building, don’t take unnecessary risks. Scopus Asbestos Compliance Ltd is a trusted UK-based provider of asbestos services with years of experience in the field. We offer:
- Detailed asbestos management surveys
- Comprehensive asbestos risk assessments
- UKAS-accredited asbestos testing
- Licensed asbestos removal and safe disposal management
- Ongoing consultancy for full compliance
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or managing a commercial property, we help you make informed, safe decisions.
Conclusion
Asbestos exposure is a serious health risk that should never be ignored. Whether you live in an older home or manage a commercial property, understanding where asbestos may be present and how to handle it safely, is essential.
Through proper inspections, asbestos management surveys, and asbestos risk assessments, you can protect yourself, your family, and your workforce from long-term harm, including diseases like asbestos lung cancer.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you suspect asbestos in your property, trust the professionals at Scopus Asbestos Compliance Ltd to provide expert guidance, accurate testing, and safe removal.
Contact Scopus Asbestos Compliance Ltd to book your consultation or survey today.
