Asbestos. The word alone can cause alarm. But if you’ve just discovered it in your home, don’t panic. The way you respond can make all the difference to your health and your finances.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do next.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
Asbestos is a natural mineral once widely used in buildings for its heat resistance and durability. But it has a dark side.
- When disturbed, asbestos releases tiny fibres.
- Inhaling these fibres can lead to serious illnesses.
- These include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
- According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), around 5,000 people die each year in the UK from asbestos-related diseases.
Ask yourself: Is saving time or money worth the risk to your health?
Step 1: Stop and Isolate the Area
Don’t touch it. Don’t try to remove it. Don’t even sweep near it.
- Close off the room where asbestos has been identified.
- Place a sign or note on the door to warn others.
- If fibres are already in the air (e.g. from broken material), avoid re-entering without proper protection.
Disturbing asbestos increases the danger. Sealing off the area is your first line of defence.
Step 2: Identify the Type and Condition
Is the asbestos intact? Crumbling? Painted over?
Asbestos comes in several forms. It may be found in:
- Artex ceilings
- Old floor tiles
- Pipe insulation
- Cement roofing sheets
- Textured wall coatings
If the material is undamaged and in good condition, the risk is much lower. But damaged or decaying asbestos can be deadly.
What does it look like?
- Pipe lagging: White or grey and fluffy, sometimes enclosed in cardboard-like wrapping
- Ceiling tiles: Often grey or off-white with fibrous texture
- Cement panels: Hard, rough sheets, usually found in garages or outbuildings
Photograph the suspected asbestos (from a safe distance) so you can show a professional later.
Step 3: Contact a Licensed Asbestos Surveyor
Now is not the time for guesswork. Get expert help.
- Search for an HSE-licensed asbestos surveyor in your area.
- Ask for a Management Survey if you’re not planning refurbishment.
- Request a Refurbishment or Demolition Survey if renovation is on the cards.
Surveys typically include:
- Visual inspection
- Sample collection
- Laboratory analysis
- A detailed report and recommendations
Cost? Surveys usually start around £200-£400, depending on the property size and the number of samples.
Step 4: Decide on Management or Removal
Your survey report will advise whether to remove or manage the asbestos.
If It’s Safe to Leave in Place:
- Seal or encapsulate the material
- Schedule regular checks
- Inform tradespeople before any future work
Example: A sound asbestos cement garage roof may not need removal if it’s intact and undisturbed.
If It Needs Removal:
- Hire an HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractor such as asbestos-cambridge.co.uk.
- Get multiple quotes
- Ensure the contractor notifies the HSE if required (mandatory for higher-risk jobs)
Removal can cost from £700 to several thousand pounds. Never let cost be the deciding factor over safety.
Step 5: Prepare Your Home for Removal
If removal is needed, make your home safe and ready:
- Keep children and pets away from affected areas
- Remove furniture and personal items
- Turn off HVAC systems if they could circulate fibres
- Follow any specific guidance from your contractor
Professionals will use sealed enclosures, negative air pressure machines, and full protective gear. This is not DIY territory.
Step 6: Disposal of Asbestos Waste
By law, asbestos must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
- Contractors must use approved waste carriers
- Materials must be double-bagged and labelled
- Waste goes to licensed disposal sites
Never put asbestos in your regular bin. Fines can apply. More importantly, you could endanger others.
Step 7: Get Air Quality Testing (if needed)
After removal, air testing provides peace of mind.
- Airborne fibre testing is done using pumps and specialised filters
- Results typically return within a few days
- A clean result shows levels below 0.01 fibres per cubic centimetre (the UK clearance indicator)
While not always required, it’s a wise choice in high-risk removals like insulation or sprayed coatings.
Step 8: Update Your Home Records
Once the asbestos is managed or removed:
- Keep a copy of the survey report
- Document the work done
- Inform future buyers or tenants
This helps prevent future mishandling. It also shows transparency during home sales.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t break or sand suspected materials. You’ll release fibres.
- Don’t vacuum. Household vacuums can’t trap asbestos fibres.
- Don’t assume new homes are safe. Asbestos was used until 1999 in the UK.
- Don’t trust unlicensed handymen. Only hire certified professionals.
What If You Already Disturbed It?
Stay calm. Isolate the area and exit. Then:
- Avoid touching clothes or shoes that may carry fibres
- Wash thoroughly
- Call a licensed surveyor or removal specialist immediately
Timely response can minimise exposure risk. The HSE has a helpline you can contact for guidance.
Final Thought: Is It Time to Act?
Too many people delay because they’re unsure. Or they hope it isn’t really asbestos. But hope isn’t a safety plan.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve found something suspicious.
So ask yourself:
- Is this something I’m qualified to handle?
- Could I be putting my family at risk by waiting?
- How much is peace of mind worth?
By taking the right steps now, you protect more than just a house. You safeguard health, peace, and your future.
Don’t wait. Get it checked.
