Asbestos is one of those hidden dangers many people don’t think about—until it becomes a serious issue. It was once a widely used building material, praised for its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. But as time went on, the severe health risks of asbestos exposure became undeniable. Today, its presence in older buildings poses a real threat, and removal isn’t just a precaution—it’s essential for safety.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tiny fibres that, when disturbed, become airborne. Breathing in these fibres is where the danger lies. Once inhaled, they can embed themselves in lung tissue, leading to severe health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The biggest issue? The symptoms often don’t appear for decades, making early detection nearly impossible.
Because of these risks, asbestos use has been heavily restricted or banned in many countries. However, older buildings—particularly those built before the late 1990s—are likely to contain some form of asbestos. That’s why identifying and properly removing it is crucial.
The Different Types of Asbestos and Where They’re Found
Not all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are the same. Some are more dangerous than others, depending on how easily the fibres can be released into the air. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common types found in buildings today.
1. Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
AIB was commonly used for fireproofing, soundproofing, and insulation. It’s often found in:
- Ceiling tiles
- Partition walls
- Fireproof panels
- Soffits
Although AIB may look like regular board material, it contains a high amount of asbestos. When cut, drilled, or broken, it releases a significant number of fibres, making its removal particularly hazardous.
2. Pipe Insulation & Lagging
Older buildings, especially those with original plumbing systems, may still have asbestos lagging around pipes. This was used to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency, but its fibrous nature makes it extremely dangerous. Even minor disturbances can send asbestos particles into the air, which is why asbestos removal requires specialist equipment and containment methods.
3. Sprayed Coatings
This is one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos-containing material due to its highly friable (easily crumbled) nature. Found on ceilings, walls, steelwork, and beams for fire protection, sprayed asbestos coatings degrade over time, becoming a serious hazard. If disturbed, they release vast amounts of fibres into the air, posing a significant risk to anyone nearby.
4. Textured Coatings (Artex)
A more common and less immediately dangerous form of asbestos, textured coatings were used as a decorative finish on ceilings and walls. While the asbestos content is lower, improper removal can still lead to fibre release. Many homeowners attempt DIY removal, unaware of the risk. In reality, even this lower-risk material requires careful handling to prevent exposure.
5. Vinyl Floor Tiles & Bitumen Adhesive
Asbestos was frequently mixed into vinyl tiles and the adhesive used to bond them to the floor. While the tiles themselves are not highly friable, damage from wear and tear, or removal without proper precautions, can lead to fibre exposure. Bitumen adhesives can also contain asbestos, making old flooring systems a hidden danger in many buildings.
6. Asbestos Cement Products
Asbestos cement was widely used for roofing sheets, gutters, downpipes, and wall panels. While these materials are generally more stable and less likely to release fibres unless damaged, breaking or drilling into them can create a significant hazard. Older garages, warehouses, and farm buildings often have asbestos cement roofing that needs to be handled with care during renovation or demolition.
7. Asbestos Textiles
Less common but still found in older fire-resistant materials, asbestos textiles were used in fire blankets, gaskets, and heat-resistant clothing. These materials degrade over time, potentially releasing fibres when disturbed. Although less frequently encountered today, they still pose a significant risk when uncovered.
The Importance of Safe Asbestos Removal
Removing asbestos isn’t as simple as ripping it out and disposing of it. Because of the health risks, it requires strict procedures, specialist equipment, and trained professionals to ensure it’s done safely. Disturbing asbestos without the right precautions can send thousands of microscopic fibres into the air, putting not just the person removing it at risk but also anyone in the surrounding environment.
Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Asbestos Removal
Even materials that seem low-risk can become dangerous if handled incorrectly. A common mistake is assuming that minor damage to a material won’t pose a threat, but asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye, meaning exposure can happen without realising it.
Licensed asbestos removal professionals use industry-approved methods, such as:
- Sealing off the area – Containing the space prevents airborne fibres from spreading.
- Wearing protective equipment – Specialist suits, gloves, and respirators are essential for safety.
- Using controlled removal techniques – Wetting materials, careful cutting, and vacuum systems minimise fibre release.
- Proper disposal – Asbestos waste must be transported and disposed of according to strict regulations to prevent contamination.
Attempting removal without following these steps not only endangers health but can also lead to legal consequences. In many regions, handling asbestos without the proper certification is illegal due to the serious risks involved.
Protecting Your Health and the Environment
Asbestos-related diseases take decades to develop, making it all the more important to act before exposure happens. Whether in homes, schools, offices, or industrial buildings, asbestos must be handled with care to protect both current and future generations.
If you suspect asbestos is present, don’t ignore it. Professional removal is the safest option, ensuring that the dangerous fibres are properly contained and disposed of.
