Asbestos

Published: 12 March 2025

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of small fibres that are resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion.

The use of all building materials containing asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 but before then it was commonly used in the construction industry from mid-1940.

If your home was built before the year 2000 it may still contain asbestos, which is usually found in some types of insulation, flooring, roofs, guttering, ceilings and walls.

Materials containing asbestos are not harmful unless damaged. When damaged, a fine dust can be released into the air which contains asbestos fibres. When the dust is breathed in, the asbestos fibres enter the lungs and can gradually damage them over time.

Blackpool Coastal Housing employs a specialist contractor to complete Asbestos surveys and ensure the safe management and effective removal of asbestos containing materials from our buildings, as the opportunity arises. All removal work is carried out by an approved HSE licenced organisation with suitably qualified competent individuals.

BCH annually reviews an asbestos management plan to support the sampling, monitoring and recording of asbestos containing materials (ACM) identified in our non-domestic and domestic properties. This work includes the annual re-inspection of ACM to check condition and primarily focuses on low rise communal areas and blocks.

Internal image of house with labels for where asbestos can be found — Asbestos was commonly used in a number of areas within the home.

Where is Asbestos found within the home?

Key
A	Asbestos cement water tank	K	AIB interior window panel
B	Pipe lagging	L	AIB around boiler
C	Loose fill insulation	M	Vinyl floor tiles
D	Textured decorative coating e.g. artex	N	AIB behind fire
E	Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) ceiling tiles	O	Gutters and asbestos cement downpipes
F	AIB bath panel	P	Soffits - AIB or asbestos cement
G	Toilet seat and cistern	Q	AIB exterior window panel
H	AIB behind fuse box	R	Asbestos cement roof
I	AIB airing cupboard and/or sprayed insulation coating boiler	S	Asbestos cement panels
J	AIB partition wall	T	Roofing felt

Why was Asbestos used?

What are the health risks?

If asbestos is in good condition, not damaged and left undisturbed, then it is perfectly safe for you. Don’t panic if there could be asbestos in your home.

It usually only becomes a problem when it is disturbed due to the tiny fibres being released and then inhaled. These fibres can damage the lungs and their lining which can lead to the development of cancers such as:

Mesothelioma
Lung cancer
Asbestosis

It can take several years for asbestos-related diseases to develop.

Exposure to asbestos

To minimise the risk of exposure, do not drill or disturb materials that may contain asbestos. It is perfectly safe for it to be left alone if in good condition.

Where asbestos has been accidentally disturbed or you think you have disturbed it, the following should be followed:

Stop work immediately and remove yourself and anyone else from the area.
Avoid contamination to other areas by not moving around the property.
Wipe yourself down with a damp cloth/rag to prevent the fibres becoming airborne.
Never dry brush or rub down, as this will put the fibres back into the air where they can easily be inhaled.
The clothes worn should either be disposed of as asbestos waste or cleaned by a specialist laundry to prevent the spread of asbestos. Do not wash them in your domestic washing machine or in a launderette.
Double bag contaminated clothing and the rag/cloth. Do not place into the bin store.
Do not shake clothing.
Shower and wash your hair thoroughly to remove fibres.
Contact Blackpool Coastal Housing to advise what has happened so that the appropriate asbestos contractor can be contacted.
Do not re-enter the area until advised it is safe.
If you are concerned, consult your GP who can leave a note on your record detailing the incident.

Remember, if you want to make improvements to your home, please write to us first to request permission. Asbestos containing materials can be damaged through DIY and it is therefore extremely important that you contact us first to ensure yours and others’ safety.

If you think you have a problem with asbestos within your home, please contact assets@bch.co.uk.

Published: 12 March 2025

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