Asbestos

Older homes may contain asbestos in various forms, such as boarding materials, ceiling finishes and pipe insulation. Asbestos was widely used from the 1930s to the mid-1980s. If work disturbs materials containing asbestos, then there is a serious health risk. Surveyors will be able to identify some types of products that contain asbestos, but it is really a task for specialists.

If in any doubt, contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and refer to the free asbestos leaflets on the HSE web site. According to the HSE, at least 3,500 people die each year in Great Britain from asbestos‑related lung cancer.