Asbestos

The Asbestos Section provides sampling analysis to identify material containing asbestos and also provides an asbestos management service to all Council departments.

Why worry about Asbestos in the home?

If your property is more than 10 years old, it's possible that it contains materials made from asbestos.

Common locations are listed below but there may be others in your home - so if in doubt leave well alone and seek expert help. Please contact us

This advice is aimed at house holders. The HSE have produced a number of leaflets which are more appropriate for businesses.

Common locations of asbestos:

• decorative ceiling finishes.
• asbestos cement on garage or shed roofs.
• asbestos cement shed and garage wall panels.
• asbestos cement drain pipes.
• asbestos cement or Insulation board soffit, infill panels and partitions.
• asbestos cement on the side of bath panels.
• old ironing boards
• boilers more than 10 years old
• old floor tiles

If your home is rented, your landlord may have relevant information.

What to do if you have Asbestos in your home

• the general rule is to always leave asbestos alone, it's usually safe unless it's damaged or disturbed.
• sometimes it will be necessary to take a sample, for example to identify the type of asbestos. For more information, please contact the Asbestos Section in Pollution Team.

Disposal of Asbestos waste

Asbestos cement householders can be collected for disposal of free of charge by the Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal Service – tel: 020 7332 3433.

Asbestos Dos and Don'ts

• don't panic if you think you have asbestos in your home - it's usually only a problem if it's disturbed.
• do treat asbestos with respect.
• don't drill, saw or disturb materials that contain asbestos.
• do seek advice if you think you've got a problem with asbestos in your home.

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Page updated: 28 Jan 2008