Asbestos in your home
Asbestos fibres are strong and resistant to heat and chemicals. This has led to their use in a wide range of building materials and products, often as fireproofing.
Why can asbestos be a problem?
When asbestos materials age or become damaged they can release fibres into the air. These can be breathed deep into the lung where they may stay for a long time, causing possible damage. When very high levels of these fibres are breathed in there is a risk of lung diseases, including cancer.
Where is asbestos found?
Building materials containing asbestos were widely used from 1930 to around 1980, particularly from the 1960's onwards. So houses and flats built or refurbished at this time may contain asbestos materials.
Asbestos cement is the most widely used asbestos material. It is found in many types of building as profiled sheets for roofing and wall cladding; in flat sheets and partition boards for linings to walls and ceilings; in bath panels, soffit boards, fire surrounds, flue pipes, and cold water tanks; and as roof tiles and slates. It has been commonly used as roofing and cladding for garages and sheds and also in guttering and drain pipes.
Asbestos cement products are unlikely to release high levels of fibres, because of the way they are made, unless they are subject to extreme abrasion. Damage from weathering may also release a small amount of fibres.
Insulating board has been used for fire protection, and heat and sound insulation. It is particularly common in materials such as ducts, infill panels, ceiling tiles, wall linings, and partitions. It is unlikely to be found in buildings constructed after 1982.
Other building materials where asbestos has been used include textured plasters, vinyl floor tiles, roofing felts, ropes, and felts.
When carrying out DIY work, avoid sanding or drilling materials, which might contain asbestos.
Certain domestic equipment up to the 1980's may contain asbestos such as oven gloves, ironing boards, seals on cooker doors, fire blankets, and car brake linings and pads.
The Corporation of London run a free collection service for small amounts of domestic asbestos. They can be contacted on 020-7332-3433. http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
I have some asbestos that I would like to have collected free
Answer: This is collected free, from householders in the borough, for amounts under 50kg. (1cwt) or 3 sheets 8' x 4" approximately. Contact the Hazardous Waste Collection Service on 020 7332 3433. Please note this does not include dismantling.
If you are uncertain whether a material in your home is asbestos, you can obtain identification by contacting the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) on 01283 531126 who can provide details of suitable recognised and registered analytical companies. ARCA also maintains a list of licensed contractors for the safe removal of asbestos.
Householders can contact the Hazardous Waste Collection Service on 020 7332 3433 for the disposal of other hazardous substances.
Contact us
Environmental Health
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF
email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
tel 020 8496 3000
