As one of the most historic counties, Essex is home to many older buildings. Asbestos has only been banned in the UK since 1999, meaning any building constructed or renovated before that year is likely to contain asbestos- its strong qualities including resistance to fire, chemical or biological degradation made it largely desirable in the construction industry. Undisturbed, asbestos is very low risk. It is only when it is disrupted that the harsh fibres can become airborne and pose a risk to human life.
Many homes in Essex, particularly in historic areas like Colchester, Chelmsford, and Maldon, were built or renovated during asbestos’ period of popularity. This means materials like asbestos cement, insulation boards, and floor tiles may still be present in many properties. Often in hidden or hard-to-reach places, it is difficult to tell if you have asbestos in your home unless it is disturbed.
Asbestos presents a unique challenge when it comes to the restoration of properties built in the 20th century. Unintentionally, homeowners can cause damage to asbestos when sanding, drilling or knocking through walls. Common risks include:
- Asbestos hidden in artex ceilings or plaster,
- Pipe lagging and boiler insulation,
- Asbestos cement in garage roofs or outbuildings,
- Old floor tiles containing asbestos fibers.
If you suspect you have come across asbestos in your home, cease any DIY work immediately and do not attempt to remove and potentially hazardous materials yourself. While it is not outright illegal, the handling of asbestos materials is heavily regulated. For high risk asbestos materials including asbestos insulation board (AIB), pipe lagging or sprayed coatings, or any damaged or friable asbestos materials, a professional license is required. It is also worth noting that improper disposal of asbestos materials can result in legal action against you.
For all of the aforementioned reasons, hiring a professional trained to deal with the proper removal of asbestos is essential. In Essex, there are many local companies such as Asbestos Gone that will manage any dangerous materials in your home. They have the expertise, tools and necessary PPE to restore safety to your environment. Professionals often have two options: encapsulation or full removal. If asbestos is in good condition and undisturbed, it may be safer and more cost-effective to seal it rather than remove it. If not, it must be dealt with completely.
It can be difficult to balance the charm of an older property with modern safety standards, but doing so can prevent considerable health risks from occurring. For those in Essex looking at having work done to their 20th century home, it is worth taking the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of those you live with.
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