How to Identify Asbestos

Highly toxic and deadly, the risk of asbestos exposure always needs to be considered when undertaking construction work around a property. However, knowing how to identify asbestos is not always easy, which is why we have answered a number of crucial questions. 

What is asbestos?

Asbestos consists of naturally occurring fibrous minerals which are highly durable and resistant to fire, heat and electricity.

The material was once widely used throughout the construction industry, though it has since been found that exposure can lead to several serious diseases, including lung cancer and asbestosis. Thankfully, its usage today is banned and has been since 1999, though it may still be present in older buildings.

What does asbestos look like?

Perhaps best described as a clump of fibres, asbestos is similar in appearance to loft installation and will crumble easily. 

There are three types of asbestos – amosite (brown), chrysotile (white) and crocidolite (blue).

Where can you find asbestos?

Hidden away in building materials, asbestos is often found in residential and industrial buildings developed or refurbished before the ban of 1999. Many common building materials used asbestos before the ban implementation and can be in everything from insulation and pipes to ceiling tiles and water tanks.

How to identify asbestos?

Unfortunately, knowing how to identify asbestos is far from easy due to its size and lack of smell. The best method for identifying asbestos is to arrange for a professional asbestos survey, as an expert will examine the material and confirm whether or not asbestos is present.

What should you do when you find asbestos?

If you believe you have found asbestos during a renovation project, there are several steps you should take to minimise potential exposure.

First, immediately stop what you are doing and cordon off the area where asbestos may be present.

Next, contact a professional to confirm whether or not the materials do contain asbestos. If it is asbestos, you will need to speak with specialists to come in and remove the hazardous materials.

How do you identify asbestos: final thoughts

It is important to remember that asbestos is dangerous and will always require the expertise of a specialist if found. Knowing how to identify asbestos is often far from straightforward. However, if you suspect you may have found asbestos, always contact a professional.

Here at All Clear Services Ltd, we are experts in all areas of asbestos removal and asbestos management services. We are a national firm and provide our services to commercial, domestic and industrial clients.

Get in touch with us today for all your asbestos removal needs. Our team are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take your call on 0121 526 4839.