What Are Asbestos Adhesives?
Asbestos adhesives were used to secure various construction materials to different surfaces (including floorings, ceilings and walls) during the 20th century. They were able to create a strong bond between the materials and add superior fire-resistance to homes and businesses across the UK. Some popular asbestos adhesives included:
Asbestos Mastics (particularly black mastic)
Asbestos Glue
Asbestos Floor Adhesives
Asbestos Sealants
Asbestos Cement
But the cons soon outweighed the pros once people became more aware of the health and safety risks associated with asbestos.
30+ YEARS
SURVEYING
ASBESTOS
How Dangerous Are Asbestos Adhesives?
These adhesives can contain anywhere between 1% and 25% of asbestos, depending on what they were used for. The type of asbestos used was typically chrysotile (white) asbestos. Over time, asbestos-containing sealants can break down, becoming brittle and releasing small fibres into the air.
If your property was built before 1999 (when the use of chrysotile was banned in the UK), there is a chance it could contain asbestos adhesives. Refurbishment, significant maintenance and demolition works can all disturb asbestos fibres, making them airborne. If building users inhale these fibres, serious health risks are posed (including mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural thickening).
Refurbishment, significant maintenance and demolition can disturb asbestos adhesives, releasing fibres into the air.
How Does Surveying For Asbestos Adhesives Work?
At Pillars Environmental, our consultants offer two types of asbestos surveys (both of which include asbestos testing) – Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys (R&D Surveys) and Asbestos Management Surveys (AMS).
Providing extra peace of mind, our asbestos specialists will follow HSG 264 – Asbestos: The Survey Guide to ensure quality during our sampling process. Following our survey, we’ll send suspected ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) to a UKAS-accredited laboratory where professional asbestos testing will take place. These tests will confirm whether asbestos is present, and if it is, which type of asbestos has been found, e.g. chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, etc.
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What Happens If Asbestos Adhesives Are Confirmed?
If asbestos adhesives have been confirmed within our tested samples, you have a few options (which depend on the level of danger posed by the asbestos):
- Asbestos Removal: If the sealant is dry, cracked or crumbled, or you’re planning any renovation, remodelling or demolition works for your property, you should contact a licensed asbestos removal company to get rid of the adhesive safely and compliantly. Pillars Environmental asbestos consultants can support you with asbestos removal management.
- Asbestos Remediation: If the adhesives have been left in a good condition, sometimes remediation can be safer than removal. This would involve using machinery to grind away the surface on the floor, wall or ceiling which, in turn, removes the adhesive. To support you with your obligations as dutyholder of the building, we offer professional asbestos management plan services.
- Asbestos Re-Inspections: If the adhesives are in good condition, and are unlikely to be disturbed, it can be safer to leave them in place with regular asbestos re-inspections carried out to ensure safety and compliance. You can learn more about our asbestos re-inspection services on our website.
Qualified Asbestos Surveyors
As BOHS P402 and ConstructionLine qualified asbestos surveyors, our team can manage all aspects of your asbestos testing needs. With over 35 years of multi-disciplinary experience, we’ve surveyed domestic, commercial and industrial properties across the UK.
Highly knowledgeable on all of the latest health and safety regulations, our accredited asbestos surveyors can handle projects of any size, sector or complexity.
SAFE & COMPLIANT ASBESTOS SURVEYS
OFFERING TAILORED, EXPERT ADVICE
Get Your Free Asbestos Survey Quote
If you suspect your domestic, commercial or industrial property may contain asbestos adhesives, please don’t hesitate to contact our professional asbestos surveyors to get your free, no-obligation quote.
With offices based in Lancashire, Manchester and Cheshire, we can offer expert advice and support for several areas across Great Britain.
