Asbestos is the name given to naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are contained within rock and mined in many countries. Asbestos has a number of valuable properties including physical strength, resistance to chemicals, non-combustibility and good thermal and electrical insulation. It is due to these properties that asbestos has been widely used in industry for a range of applications.
However, when asbestos is disturbed or damaged, the fibres can be released into the air and inhaled, which creates a risk to human health. It is estimated that Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) may be present in up to half a million premises in the UK and could represent a health risk if the materials are not properly identified and managed. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR) were introduced in order to address the risks involved.
From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest , and asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.
The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increases with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke. People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
Operating throughout the UK we are a completely independent asbestos survey company (not tied to a removal contractor) and therefore can offer a totally independent Asbestos Consultancy service. We can then give you the best Asbestos Regulations advice on any asbestos containing materials that may be present in your property.
On completion of the Asbestos Survey you will be provided with a full, user-friendly report, complete with an Asbestos Register, which complies fully with HSE regulations. All our Asbestos Surveys are carried out with the utmost discretion, with no disruption to your business, and our rates are extremely competitive.
Asbestos is a harmful substance, and if enhaled can be fatal. Employers, building owners, landlords and tenants are required to comply to with legislations set by the government, to ensure places of work and leisure are kept safe. If you live or work around asbestos, take action. The maximum penalties are an unlimited fine and/or up to two years' imprisonment so the punishment is serious. Please read our Asbestos Regulations section which contains further information about the reglations.
If you require further information on the services we offer please see our Asbestos Services section, or feel free to Contact Us.