Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material and has been used for about 150 years on a large scale. It is versatile, plentiful and ideal as a fire-proofing and insulation material. But it can be deadly!

The three main types of asbestos that have been used commercially are:

• Crocidolite (blue)
• Amosite (brown)
• Chrysotile (white)

These groups of asbestos fibres differ in their mechanical and chemical properties. The different types of asbestos can be found on their own or as a mixture with any of the other fibres. All asbestos fibres are classed as dangerous, but blue and brown asbestos are thought to be more dangerous than white asbestos.

Presence of Asbestos

Asbestos was used in a plethera of different products and buildings from the 1950’s to the mid 1980’s with Asbestos cement was used up until 1999 in a variety of different materials. Therefore any building that was constructed or had major refurbishment between the 1950’s and mid 80’s is likely to contain some type of asbestos containing material.