What is Asbestos and Who Does it Impact?

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During the 20^th century, asbestos was everywhere, from building materials to household goods.

Now, we understand the health and environmental risks it poses, and it is now banned in 68 countries. In the UK, asbestos was outlawed completely in 1999 but still causes around 5,000 deaths a year.

In this blog post, we’re going to examine what asbestos is, who it affects, how it impacts our environment as well as some tips for spotting asbestos.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is actually a naturally occurring mineral. It’s mined from beneath the ground and is typically found near fault zones and in soil deposits. It appears as thin fibres in rocks.

Humans have been using asbestos for thousands of years, with records dating back as far as 4,000 years to cultures in Africa and Finland. Modern or industrial asbestos use began around the late 1800s, as it began to be incorporated into more and more products. By the middle of the 20th century, asbestos had found its way into everything from building materials to cars and even toilet seats.

Towards the end of the century, however, the health and environmental concerns linked to asbestos started to become clearer. As the dangers became more apparent, pressure on legislators grew, and bans began to come into force. In the UK, asbestos was gradually more and more restricted until it was banned outright in 1999. Today, asbestos in the UK is governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Why Was Asbestos Used?

Asbestos was used in a vast range of products, especially in the construction sector. It was added to almost every material, including plaster, ceiling coatings, insulation, flooring and much more.

It was favoured so heavily because asbestos is fire-resistant, strong and provides excellent insulation. So, at the time, it was viewed as a wonder material, helping manufacturers produce what were believed to be safer products that were also stronger and provided inherent insulation. Asbestos was also very cost effective, helping to keep costs down.

Who Does Asbestos Impact and How?

Asbestos has been linked to a number of health conditions including asbestosis and mesothelioma. Both are respiratory complications tied to cancer and other concerns. Asbestos is made up of small fibres which can become airborne when disturbed and then inhaled. They then irritate the lungs over long periods of time, leading to these conditions.

Because asbestos was added to so many construction materials, many of which are still present in buildings across the UK, construction workers and tradespeople are some of the most widely affected. In fact, asbestos is still the biggest occupational disease risk facing construction workers.

However, the presence of asbestos in buildings poses a risk to all occupants if it is not properly managed. Without adequate surveying and control measures, asbestos can be accidentally disturbed, releasing fibres into the air. In Britain, more than 75% of state schools still contain asbestos, and more than 140 teachers are known to have died between 2002 and 2012 as a result of exposure while teaching.

How Does Asbestos Impact the Environment?

So, when it comes to the environment, what is asbestos’ impact?

Air Pollution

Asbestos fibres are extremely fine and can become airborne very easily. Once in the air, they can travel long distances, impacting air quality and posing a hazard to people and animals.

Water Pollution

Asbestos can find its way into water systems through poorly contained industrial processes, where it then threatens aquatic life.

Soil Contamination

Once in the soil, asbestos is liable to be recirculated when the soil is disturbed, helping it spread.

Bioaccumulation

Much like plastics, asbestos can become engrained in the food chain and accumulate in different animals, leading to more widespread issues.

Long Lifespan

Asbestos doesn’t degrade easily and can remain in the environment for a long time, amplifying the risks.

How to Spot Asbestos

Unfortunately, without professional training, identifying asbestos can be difficult and even dangerous. It tends to appear as very small, white fibres, but there are also brown and blue varieties.

The best and safest guideline for determining whether a building or material might contain asbestos is the date it was manufactured. In the UK, asbestos use was prominent from the late 1800s up until 1999. So, if you suspect that a material or item manufactured between these dates might contain asbestos, it’s safest to assume that it does and avoid disturbing it.

For an accurate, safe assessment, you should contact a professional asbestos surveyor. They will have the training and equipment necessary to tell you whether asbestos is present, without putting yourself or other building occupants at risk.

What is Asbestos? – An Environmental Legacy

Asbestos was once viewed as a universal solution to the demands of a booming construction industry, but its legacy is one of health concerns and environmental pollution. Its impact is still felt across the UK and indeed across the world.

Now we understand the risks better, the route to further progress is clear. Buildings likely to contain asbestos need to be regularly surveyed and robust control measures put in place, or toxic waste removal arranged if necessary.

Fortunately, the future looks bright, with some groups even advocating for the complete removal of asbestos from buildings in the UK to prevent any further harm to people or the environment.