Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre. It was widely used in construction and other industries from the 1950s, favoured for its thermal, soundproof, chemical resistant and fireproof qualities. It was also highly durable and flexible, as well as cheap, which made it cost effective to use in all sorts of products. That was until its dangers became known, and the product was eventually banned.
In this post, we are tackling the question of when was asbestos banned, as well as its common use in homes and where it still might be found.
Undisturbed, asbestos poses minimal danger. However, when it is disrupted and its microscopic fibres are released into the air, it becomes a very significant health hazard.
When asbestos fibres are inhaled into the lungs, they can damage their lining, and cause a variety of serious diseases, including asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma and pleural thickening. Many of these conditions remain symptom-free until they are very advanced, at which point there is often little that can be done about them.
Blue asbestos and brown asbestos were banned in 1985. Then, in 1999, white asbestos was also banned, spelling the end for the use of the product altogether. However, its legacy remains to this day.
It is reckoned that there are still six million tonnes of asbestos in use in the UK, the majority of which is in public or private buildings. It is also estimated that around 50% of the homes built before the asbestos ban still contain the material.
From flooring and insulation, to roofing and decoration, there were many applications for asbestos.
There are actually more than 5,000 products known to contain asbestos. These include asbestos insulating board and lagging; sprayed insulation; asbestos cement; floor tiles, textiles and composites, and textured decorative coatings, otherwise known as Artex.
There are three different types of asbestos: brown asbestos (amosite), blue asbestos (crocidolite) and white asbestos (chrysotile).
One of the most common uses of brown asbestos was asbestos insulating board (AIB). Also known by the brand name Asbestolux, AIB was used from the 1950s to make the likes of fireproof door panels, partition walls, lift shaft linings, ceiling tiles and panels, soffits, window panels, ducting and bath panels. The material is easily damaged, which means it is highly prone to fibre release.
One of the most common uses of brown asbestos was asbestos insulating board.
Some common ways that white asbestos was used in homes, and where it still may be found in older properties that have not been renovated, include:
White asbestos paper was integrated into metal cladding and tiles as a lining material. It was also combined with cement to form asbestos cement, commonly used to make roofing, wall cladding, downpipes, guttering, flues and sewer pipes. Many people still find themselves with an asbestos garage roof, for example.
All types of asbestos – that is blue asbestos, white asbestos and brown asbestos – were used in sprayed or loose-fill insulation. This was used until the 1970s in commercial and residential properties to fill cavity walls, as well as to insulate loft spaces and floorboard voids.
Because it contains all types of asbestos in their pure form, sprayed insulation is possibly one of the most dangerous asbestos-containing materials, prone to releasing high volumes of fibres into the atmosphere. And it is this process of fibre release that causes people to be so worried about asbestos, because as we’ve already said, those fibres can critically damage the lungs, leading to all sorts of very serious diseases, including lung cancer.
Asbestos lagging can also contain all three types of asbestos. This is mostly found in or on heating systems, as well as around pipework and boilers. It’s another of the most dangerous categories of asbestos, because again there is such a high risk of breathing in the fibres when it is disturbed.
Artex is a brand of decorative surface coating which was widely used for interior decorating. It is commonly found on ceilings and walls and was very popular during the 1970s and 1980s.
Decorators used Artex to add texture and patterns. Popular styles included swirl, stipple, circles, broken leather and bark effect.
Artex was reinforced with white asbestos (Chrysotile) until 1984, purely to give it more strength. The asbestos is only harmful when in powder form, such as when the surface is sanded.
Whilst the popularity of this decorating technique fell into decline in the 1990s, there are still many properties that bear Artex patterning to this day. It is vital therefore, if you are planning redecoration or renovation, to arrange for asbestos testing with a UK licensed and accredited professional if you have Artex on your walls or ceilings. Any disturbance of the Artex, especially sanding, could potentially cause a very serious health hazard.
If the testing identifies that there is asbestos in Artex wall coverings in your property, then you will need specialist advice on how to deal with it.
Whether you wish for it to be removed so that you can start from scratch with a smooth wall covering, or you are looking to cover it, or even leave it intact, you should refrain from making any decisions without first seeking guidance from a professional asbestos removal company.
Now you know the answer to the question, when was asbestos banned, and are clear on why all the different types of asbestos were banned, you may be keen to determine whether asbestos is present in your residential or commercial premises so that you can take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.
At Advance Asbestos Removal, we have been assisting homeowners, landlords and commercial property managers with asbestos testing and removal services since 1984. Our team is speedy, efficient, helpful and dependable, and all trained to UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) standards.
We provide a professional, helpful service with minimal disruption and total legal compliance.
If you’re based in Thames Ditton, our local licensed surveyors and removal team can help — see our Thames Ditton asbestos removal service for details.
If you’re based in Ripley & Pyrford, our local licensed surveyors and removal team can help — see our Ripley & Pyrford asbestos removal service for details.
To learn more about our service and how it all works, or to request your free, no-obligation quotation, please contact us today.
Ditton House, 59 Fleece Road, Long Ditton, Surrey, KT6 5JR
Established in 1984 With Over 30 Years Experience. Call: 07759 018402
