Information Zone

Asbestos fibres are the smallest natural fibres known. An individual asbestos fibre cannot be seen by the naked eye nor under the most powerful optical microscope.

Asbestos was widely used during the 50's, 60's and 70's in building materials as a thermal insulator for walls, flooring, ceilings, insulation, roofing, fireproofing and automotive products. Asbestos was banned in 1989. Asbestos affects the lungs, causes Mesothelioma and Cancer.

Asbestos Types

Asbestos is the general name for three main types of naturally occurring mineral. Each type has different qualities but all are resistant to heat.

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
• Amosite (brown asbestos)

Management of Asbestos

In the UK, Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (CAWR) 2002 became law in 21 May 2004. With the help of asbestos software all asbestos surveying and sampling processes should be carried out in accordance with the MDHS 100 standard (Health & Safety Executive) and any samples should be analysed by an independent UKAS accredited laboratory.