As experts in asbestos management, people frequently ask Asbestos SOS why asbestos surveyors are necessary. The answer is simple: well over half of the properties in the UK built before 2000 contain asbestos in some form. That means that there are still at least six million tons of this hazardous material sitting in more than 1.5 million residential properties.
And this doesn't take into account all the commercial or industrial settings where asbestos was used.
Whether it's in the home or a business premises, asbestos must be taken seriously and dealt with safely and professionally. Asbestos SOS will take on your project, no matter the size, and it all starts with a professional asbestos survey in Dudley.
This is not an exhaustive list, and asbestos can be found in unexpected places. If your property was built before 2000, it's best to assume asbestos might be present and avoid disturbing any suspect material.
Here are some additional tips:
Remember, asbestos exposure can be a serious health hazard, so it's crucial to take appropriate precautions if you suspect its presence.
There are six main types of asbestos found in Dudley, but three were the most commonly used:
This was the most widely used type, accounting for about 95% of all commercial asbestos. It was used in a wide variety of applications due to its flexibility, heat resistance, and soundproofing properties. Common uses included:
Used much less frequently than white asbestos, but still occasionally found in the following:
Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
Easily the most dangerous asbestos type, due to the microscopic needle-like fibres. Thankfully, this type was banned in 1970, although it may still be present in some older buildings in the form of:
While the asbestos survey report may identify the types discovered, it only has to list those that present a risk to those in the building during normal occupancy.
Read more on “what does asbestos look like”.
It is not a legal requirement to perform an asbestos survey on a domestic residential dwelling in Dudley, but it is in your best interests to do so anyway. This is even more important if the building is more than forty or fifty years old, as there is a much higher risk of asbestos material being present.
Here, your duty of care is to your family and yourself.
An asbestos management survey should only be carried out by UKAS-accredited persons or those licenced by the HSE using the survey guide HSG264.
Only choose an asbestos survey company that has UKAS accreditation, like Asbestos SOS!
Our dedicated team advanced techniques and unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility ensure that with us you're not just removing asbestos but also securing a safer healthier future for your space.
This condition varies in severity but usually requires medical treatment for life. Scarring of the lung tissue causes shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent cough, fatigue, and chest pain. Clubbed fingertips are common in severe cases.
Asbestosis can worsen suddenly at any time and is frequently fatal.
Smokers (or those with a history of smoking) have a much higher risk of contracting lung cancer if they are exposed to asbestos-containing materials that have been damaged or disturbed.
Mesothelioma (a type of cancer) is an aggressive condition almost entirely caused by asbestos exposure. It is incurable, and diagnosis often comes when the condition is well advanced. The life expectancy of someone with mesothelioma ranges between six months and two years after diagnosis.
While these are the most common ones, there are many others, including different types of cancer.
This is why it is imperative that you limit your contact with asbestos containing materials as far as possible. Always contact an asbestos management specialist, like Asbestos SOS, if you suspect that you have discovered asbestos-containing materials on your property.