Asbestos warning to all those with homes built before 2000
Asbestos may still be lurking in homes built before the turn of the millennium, an expert has warned.
Homeowners planning renovations this coming year could be putting their children's health at risk without realising it, experts have warned, as asbestos continues to be uncovered in properties across the UK. Often hidden behind walls, ceilings and flooring, asbestos is still being disturbed during everyday home improvement work, despite many people believing it is a problem of the past.
The UK Health and Safety Executive estimates that homes built before 2000 contain some form of asbestos. Now, Mat Stewart, an asbestos expert at Sundemolition, has said that the material is often found only after work is under way.
“Asbestos is commonly found by accident when homeowners drill into walls, strip ceilings, or lift old flooring. By that point, fibres may already have been released, which understandably causes concern for families,” he said.
The expert has also shared five warning signs that every homeowner should be aware of if currently planning changes to their home.
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Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals formerly used for heat and corrosion resistance in building materials such as ceiling tiles and roofing shingles, and insulation. While not hazardous when undisturbed, damaged asbestos releases microscopic fibres that cause severe diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis - a chronic lung disease - if inhaled or ingested. It was widely used until being banned in many countries, including the UK in 1999, but it remains in many older structures.
Mr Stewart has issued a warning to all those whose property was built before the year 2000.
He said: “Many homeowners assume their property is too new to be affected, but asbestos-containing materials are still found in buildings constructed well into that period.”
He also revealed that textured ceilings or walls, including Artex - a brand of textured plaster coating popular in the 1970s and 80s - are one of the most common sources of asbestos.
"Even minor drilling or sanding can disturb the material and release fibres into the air.”
Old garages, sheds or outbuilding roofs also have a high risk of containing asbestos.
He said: “Asbestos cement was widely used in roofing panels. As these materials age, crack or weather, the risk of fibre release increases significantly."
Mr Stewart explained damaged insulation or pipe lagging are also among "the highest-risk asbestos materials found in homes".
He said: "If insulation around pipes or boilers appears frayed or crumbly, it should be treated as a serious hazard.”
Finally, extra care should be taken if lifting old vinyl floor tiles, which, along with the adhesive beneath them, "often contained asbestos".
"They become particularly dangerous when broken or removed during refurbishment work," the expert added.
Asbestos should never be handled without professional advice, Mr Stewart warned.
He said: “While asbestos can be managed safely, problems arise when people unknowingly disturb it. The key is awareness. If asbestos is suspected, work should stop immediately, and a professional survey should be carried out to protect both health and property.”
