Asbestos in the home

Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals that are contained within rock.

The minerals appear as masses of strong flexible fibres that can be separated and woven.

The three main types of asbestos found in the UK are:

• Crocidolite (known as Blue Asbestos)
• Amosite (known as Brown Asbestos)
• Chrysotile (known as White Asbestos).
• Why was asbestos used in buildings?
• Asbestos fibres are strong and resistant to heat and chemicals.

This lead to widespread use in a large range of building products and materials from the 1930's to the mid 1980's, but in particular from the 1960's onwards.

The use of any asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999.

After processing, most asbestos was made into building materials and was used in building work for many years.

Uses included thermal and acoustic insulations, reinforcement in cement products and fire protection materials.

Asbestos materials are present in many buildings across the country and are perfectly safe if they are not damaged.

Get advice on asbestos

Remember - asbestos materials in good condition are safe.