Asbestos Safety in your home

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a material that can resist heat and chemicals. It is made from natural materials and was used for building materials until 1999, when it was banned by law.

Is asbestos harmful to people?

It is harmful to people when it is damaged or disturbed because:

• It contains small fibres
• If it is damaged, fibres are released into the air and can be breathed in.
• Breathing asbestos in can cause illnesses like lung cancer.
• Illnesses caused by asbestos can take years to develop.

Is it ok to have asbestos in my home?

Yes. If it is not damaged in any way. If you have any concerns, please contact us.

Am I at risk?

It can only be a risk to your health if asbestos fibres are in the air, for example if you drill into asbestos to put up a shelf.

• In good condition, it is not dangerous.
• Removing it is more dangerous than leaving it and looking after it.

How do I know if something contains asbestos?

You can’t tell unless it has been tested. If you’re not sure if something has asbestos in it, treat it as if it does.

• We will do an asbestos survey before you move into your home.
• The information will be kept on an asbestos register.
• If we find it we will let you know where it is.
• If asbestos becomes damaged, let us know as soon as possible.
• If asbestos is found, we will treat it to seal in the fibres, or take it away.

Am I likely to find asbestos in my home?

Yes if your home was built before 1999.

You can find it in:

• Textured wall and ceiling coatings like Artex.
• Lining under stairs.
• Bath panels.
• Wall panels.
• Vinyl or thermoplastic floor tiles.
• Asbestos Insulation Boards like partition walls.
• Corrugated cement sheeting used on sheds and garages.
• Flue pipes to boilers or fires.
• Soil pipes.
• Toilet cisterns.
• Guttering, downpipes and soffits.

If you are unsure, please contact us on 01843 577262 or email myhome@thanet.gov.uk 

Can I do DIY or improvement work in my home?

Before starting any work you should get our advice.

• You might need permission as part of your tenancy agreement.
• Dangerous fibres can be released if asbestos is damaged, drilled, cut, sawn, scrubbed or sanded.

Asbestos Safety

DO

• Treat asbestos with respect.
• If you think it might be asbestos, treat it as asbestos.
• Remember: asbestos can be dangerous if disturbed.
• Avoid damaging asbestos containing materials.
• Contact us if you are worried about asbestos.

DON’T

• Don’t panic if you think you have asbestos in your home - it’s usually only a problem if it’s disturbed.
• Don’t drill, sand, saw or disturb asbestos.
• Don’t do any DIY on any part of your home which you think contains asbestos. Get advice from us first.
• Don’t try to remove textured coatings (Artex) from ceilings and walls.
• Don’t try to remove old floor tiles or lino.

If you have any questions about asbestos or need any advice, contact us on 01843 577575

Or email: myhome@thanet.gov.uk