If you own a house that was built before the mid-1980s, then it may contain asbestos. Asbestos was used in many building materials, including:
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles
- Cement
- Cladding
- Roofing materials
- Electrical wire insulation
It can be difficult for most people to recognise asbestos, which is why you should hire trusted asbestos removal services in Croydon to survey your home if you plan to remodel it. Here are the types of asbestos that you could find in your house.
Crocidolite
Crocidolite asbestos was also known as blue asbestos and was banned in the UK in 1970. It was the most dangerous type of asbestos due to its short, spiky fibres that could puncture lungs if inhaled. It was used as spray-on insulation, on cement sheets, and in the marine industry.
Amosite
Known as brown asbestos, amosite was another dangerous form of the mineral. It was banned in the UK in 1980 and was primarily used in asbestos insulation boards, or AIB. It came from South Africa, where it got its name due to the company Asbestos Mines of South Africa, but its technical name is Grunerite.
Chrysotile
Chrysotile is the most common form of asbestos and was found in about 90% of the asbestos used in building materials. It’s known as white asbestos and was totally banned in the United Kingdom in 1999. It’s still mined and used in developing countries despite the health risks.
Before remodelling an older house, have an asbestos survey to reduce the risks of exposure to the fibres.