Asbestos
Asbestos was used in many industries and buildings until it was banned in 1999. While asbestos continues to be safely removed, much of this material is still in place.
This means people who work in older buildings could still be exposed to asbestos fibres today if asbestos is not managed effectively, and is damaged or disturbed.
Buildings constructed after 2000 are unlikely to contain asbestos.
Health risks
Although asbestos is a hazardous material it can only pose a risk to your health if the fibres are disturbed and become airborne.
This could happen if the material containing asbestos is drilled, sanded, cut or broken up; or if the material is in a poor condition or damaged.
Surveys
We have a duty to hold asbestos surveys for all communal areas, as well as commercial and corporate buildings.
If refurbishment work is carried out in an area or building, an asbestos refurbishment survey must be done before works start.
In your home
It may be unlikely that any levels of asbestos fibres, if found within your home, will be harmful. If you have damaged asbestos materials in your home, you should contact the repairs service.
Any repairs or major works carried out in your home by Ealing Council contractors will include a risk assessment. They will check if they are likely to disturb asbestos.
Where asbestos is found to be damaged or may be disturbed, it will be dealt with or removed by our contractors.
More information
You can find more information on asbestos on the Health and Safety Executive website.