What is Asbestos and why is it dangerous?

Written By Ben Pickard
 

What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous? (UK Guide)

Asbestos was once regarded as a “miracle material” due to its strength, fire resistance, and affordability. However, it is now widely recognised as one of the most hazardous materials ever used in construction—responsible for thousands of deaths every year in the UK.

This guide explains:

  • What asbestos is

  • Where it is commonly found

  • Why it is dangerous

  • The health risks associated with exposure

  • Why asbestos remains a concern today

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals composed of extremely fine, durable fibres.

These fibres are:

  • Heat resistant

  • Chemically resistant

  • Electrically insulating

  • Highly durable and strong

Due to these properties, asbestos was extensively used across UK construction and manufacturing industries throughout the 20th century.

Types of Asbestos Commonly Found in the UK

There are six recognised types of asbestos, but the three most commonly encountered in the UK are:

  • Chrysotile (White Asbestos) – The most widely used form

  • Amosite (Brown Asbestos) – Frequently used in insulation boards

  • Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos) – The most hazardous type

Where Is Asbestos Found?

Asbestos was widely used in buildings constructed before its UK ban in 1999. It can still be present in many properties today and was very common in 1950’s-1980’s construction.

Common locations include:

  • Pipe insulation (lagging)

  • Ceiling Tiles (Asbestos Insulating Board or AIB)

  • Ceiling coatings (e.g. Artex)

  • Floor tiles, Coverings and adhesives

  • Roofing sheets and cement products

  • Wall panels and soffits

    And around 10,000 different products world wide and counting.

If your property was built before 2000, there is a strong possibility that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be present.

Asbestos fibres in debris within property

Asbestos Fibres

Why Was Asbestos So Widely Used?

Historically, asbestos was considered an ideal material because it:

  • Resists fire and extreme temperatures

  • Provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation

  • Is strong yet flexible

  • Is cost-effective and widely available

Unfortunately, the same microscopic fibres that made asbestos so useful are what make it highly dangerous.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos becomes hazardous when materials containing it are disturbed or damaged.

Activities such as:

  • Drilling

  • Cutting

  • Sanding

  • Demolition work

  • General wear and deterioration

Can release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air which are then breathed in and cause irreparable damage.

These asbestos fibres:

  • Are invisible to the naked eye (you can only see them under a microscope)

  • Can be easily inhaled and become airborne easily

  • Fibres remain in the lungs permanently and cannot be removed

What Happens When Asbestos Is Inhaled?

Once inhaled, asbestos fibres:

  • Become lodged in lung tissue

  • Cannot be broken down by the body

  • Cause inflammation and scarring over time

This can lead to serious, life-threatening diseases.

Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos is linked to several serious conditions:

Mesothelioma

A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. This disease is responsible for around 2250 deaths a year in the UK.

Lung Cancer

The risk is significantly increased in individuals exposed to asbestos, particularly smokers. Although the disease is often attributed to smoking Asbestos kills around 2500 people a year as a result of lung cancers caused by the fibres.

Asbestosis

A chronic lung disease caused by long-term scarring of lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced lung function. Not quite as fatal as the above diseases but still accounts for around 500 deaths a year.

Long Latency Period

Symptoms often take 20–50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos, meaning exposure today may not present health issues until decades later. A key factor with asbestos is the amount of exposure over extended period. High exposure over extended period significantly increases the risk of an asbestos related disease.

Is All Asbestos Dangerous?

Yes. All types of asbestos are classified as carcinogenic.

However:

  • Undisturbed asbestos in good condition → lower risk

  • Damaged or disturbed asbestos → high risk

The key is proper identification and management in order to reduce the risk as far as possible.

Why Asbestos Still Matters Today

Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it remains present in:

  • Older homes

  • Commercial buildings

  • Schools and public buildings

  • Industrial sites

Renovation, demolition, or DIY work can easily disturb asbestos if it has not been identified. surveying and inspection are critical in identifying asbestos.

Legal Responsibilities in the UK

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, duty holders are legally required to:

  • Identify asbestos risks

  • Assess and Manage the risk identified

  • Manage asbestos safely

  • Protect employees, contractors, and occupants

These regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The guidance for how to manage asbestos can be seen here!

How to Stay Safe Around Asbestos

To reduce risk:

Professional Asbestos Surveys & Consultancy (UK)

At Asbestos Survey Monitoring, we provide professional, fully compliant asbestos services across the UK, including:

  • Asbestos Surveys (Management, Refurbishment and Demolition)

  • Asbestos Testing & Sampling

  • Asbestos Monitoring

  • Asbestos Removal

  • Consultancy & Compliance Support

📞 Contact Us Today

Get in touch today for expert advice, fast turnaround surveys, and full compliance with UK asbestos regulations.

Fill in the form below for a free quotation for asbestos work.

 
 
 
Ben Pickard
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