A Killer Lurking in Your HOME?

1st March 2003

T. Wyn Jones

Little do we realise the devastating effect asbestos has on human health. It is now the greatest single cause of work related deaths in the U.K.

A KILLER LURKING IN YOUR HOME?

Little do we realise the devastating effect asbestos has on human health. It is now the greatest single cause of work related deaths in the U.K.

It is a little known fact that asbestos comes in a variety of forms. It can be in sprayed coatings and insulation lagging, cement products such as corrugated sheets, cladding, gutter, pipes, flues, tank etc. It can also be found in artex, textiles, paints, plastics, and even floor tiles. This fact coupled with the increased popularity in ‘do it yourself’ has resulted in an alarming increase in exposure to this killer.

As a result of the above more stringent legislation has been passed by the Government. For example under current regulations all landlords letting property must, by law, obtain a risk assessment carried out by professional surveyors to ascertain as to whether asbestos is present in the building. Although the asbestos will not necessarily have to be removed (the risk from asbestos only arises once it has been disturbed or damaged) any asbestos must be made a note of, following which the tenants must be informed accordingly so that they may then inform their insurers and also comply with the Health & Safety Regulations.

Although it is likely that properties built in the last 20 years are asbestos free it is a fact that thousands of tonnes of asbestos is still in place in older buildings

If you suspect or are concerned about the potential of asbestos in the property you occupy you should, for your own health and safety, have it checked out by a professional. Never ever attempt to remove any asbestos debris yourself, as this requires specialist protective clothing and disposal of such via secure waste depots.

For further information about asbestos in buildings contact your local council for guidance or visit www.hse.gov.uk, the Health and Safety Executive website.

Wyn Jones is a partner of McCartneys, Property Agents and operates from their Ludlow, Tenbury Wells & Cleobury Mortimer offices. For further information on Property Matters he can be contacted on Tel 01584 872153 or wyn@mccartneys.co.uk