Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of tiny, durable fibres. These fibres are resistant to heat, fire, electricity, and many chemicals, which is why asbestos was widely used in building materials and household products throughout much of the 20th century.
In the UK, asbestos could be found in products such as:
Although asbestos is strong and versatile, it is also highly dangerous to health when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled. Because of these risks, asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999, but it is still present in many older buildings today.
Asbestos can be found in many older buildings across the UK, particularly those built or refurbished before the year 2000. It was widely used in construction because it is durable, fire-resistant, and an effective insulator. Although it is now banned, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in millions of homes, schools, hospitals, and workplaces.
Common places where asbestos may be found include:
Because asbestos fibres are hazardous when disturbed, it is important not to drill, cut, or damage any suspected material. If you think asbestos may be present, a qualified surveyor or licensed contractor should be contacted to confirm and manage the risk safely.
Asbestos is dangerous because its fibres can cause serious harm when breathed into the lungs. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed—through drilling, cutting, or even natural wear—they release tiny, sharp fibres into the air. These fibres are invisible to the naked eye and, once inhaled, they can lodge deep in the lungs and remain there permanently.
Over time, this can lead to life-threatening diseases, including:
The danger is not immediate but long-term, as these illnesses often take decades to develop after exposure. This delayed effect is one reason why asbestos remains such a significant health risk today, even though its use has been banned in the UK since 1999.
Asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999. However, restrictions began much earlier. Blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos were banned in 1985 due to their particularly high risks. White asbestos (chrysotile), which was more commonly used in construction, continued to be allowed until the complete ban came into force in 1999.
This means that any building constructed before 2000 could still contain asbestos in its walls, ceilings, floors, or insulation. For this reason, older properties are treated with caution, especially during renovation or demolition work, to prevent asbestos fibres being released into the air.
The cost of asbestos removal in the UK can vary widely depending on the type of asbestos, the amount present, and how difficult it is to access. On average, homeowners might expect to pay anywhere from £800 to £2,500 for smaller jobs, such as removing asbestos garage roofs, and £5,000 or more for larger-scale projects in residential or commercial properties.
Factors that affect the cost include:
Because of the serious health risks, asbestos should only ever be removed by licensed professionals. Attempting removal yourself can be extremely dangerous and is strongly discouraged.
Asbestos removal is a highly controlled process that must only be carried out by trained and licensed professionals. The goal is to safely take out asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without releasing harmful fibres into the air. The process usually involves the following steps:
This strict procedure is designed to minimise health risks and is a legal requirement for higher-risk types of asbestos. Homeowners should never attempt to remove asbestos themselves, as even a small disturbance can release dangerous fibres.
Yes. Asbestos exposure is a well-established cause of several types of cancer. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs or other parts of the body. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, scarring, and cellular damage that may develop into cancer decades after the initial exposure.
The main cancers linked to asbestos are:
The risk of developing cancer depends on factors such as the type of asbestos, the level and duration of exposure, and individual health factors. Even so, there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure, which is why strict regulations exist to prevent contact with asbestos fibres.
Asbestos does not have one single appearance. It was mixed into many building products, which means it can look very different depending on how it was used. In its natural form, asbestos is a fibrous mineral, but in most buildings it is hidden within other materials, making it difficult to recognise by sight alone.
Some common appearances of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) include:
Because asbestos can closely resemble harmless materials, it is not safe to rely on visual identification. The only way to be certain is through laboratory testing carried out by a qualified professional.
In the UK, asbestos compensation is usually paid by the employer or company responsible for the exposure. If that company no longer exists, compensation may still be available through their former insurers or through government schemes set up to help victims of asbestos-related diseases.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation can come from:
Each case is different, but in most situations, victims or their families can claim compensation even if the exposure happened decades ago. Specialist asbestos lawyers can help trace the responsible party and pursue the claim.