What Type of Asbestos Can You Remove in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a term used to describe six different naturally occurring minerals that were extensively used in the construction industry from the 1930s until the late 1990s. The use of asbestos was largely halted because of the severe health risks it poses to humans, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop, and once diagnosed, they are often fatal. Exposure to asbestos is therefore a matter of concern for many homeowners, businesses and individuals in Hampshire.

If you suspect that asbestos might be in the buildings you own or occupy, it is important to act quickly and responsibly to remove it. But before you can do this, you need to know what type of asbestos you are dealing with.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a licensed asbestos removal company in Hampshire. We have the experience and expertise to identify and remove asbestos in all its forms, whether it is licensed or non-licensed. Our goal is to provide affordable and efficient asbestos removal services to our clients while prioritizing their safety and well-being.

This landing page will discuss the different types of asbestos that you can find in buildings in Hampshire, the risks they pose, and what you need to do to safely and legally remove them.

Asbestos: What is it?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in the construction industry due to its durability, insulating properties and fire resistance. It was commonly used in a range of materials, such as insulation, cement, pipes, roofing, and ceiling tiles.

When asbestos-containing material is disturbed, it releases tiny asbestos fibres into the air, which can then be inhaled by humans. These fibres are extremely small and invisible to the naked eye, which makes them highly dangerous.

Once inhaled, asbestos fibres can cling to the lungs and other internal organs, where they may remain for decades before causing serious health problems. Exposure to asbestos is therefore a growing concern for homeowners and businesses in Hampshire.

Types of Asbestos

There are six different types of asbestos that were commonly used in the construction industry. The different types of asbestos fibres are:

Chrysotile

Chrysotile asbestos is the most commonly used type of asbestos and accounts for about 95% of all asbestos used in buildings in the United Kingdom. Chrysotile is a serpentine mineral that is also known as white asbestos. It is found mainly in cement, roofing and textiles.

Amosite

Amosite asbestos is also known as brown asbestos and was commonly used in insulation products. It is a type of amphibole mineral that is found in a variety of products, including ceiling tiles, insulating board and cement.

Crocidolite

Crocidolite asbestos is also known as blue asbestos and was commonly used in insulation, cement and plumbing products. It is one of the most dangerous types of asbestos as it is more friable and its fibres are thinner and more brittle, making them easier to inhale.

Tremolite

Tremolite asbestos is a type of amphibole asbestos that was commonly found in vermiculite products, such as insulation, and talc products.

Anthophyllite

Anthophyllite asbestos is a less common form of asbestos and was mainly found in insulating materials.

Actinolite

Actinolite asbestos is a very rare form of asbestos, and like anthophyllite asbestos, was found mainly in insulating materials.

Types of Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal should only be carried out by licensed and experienced asbestos removal companies. In Hampshire, asbestos removal companies must be licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to carry out asbestos removal work.

There are two types of asbestos removal:

Licensed Asbestos Removal

Licensed asbestos removal is required for higher risk asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, fireproofing and pipe lagging. These materials are classified as licensed because they are more likely to release dangerous levels of asbestos fibres when worked with.

A licensed asbestos contractor will use a higher level of protective equipment, including full-face respirators, to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. They will also use more sophisticated techniques, such as enclosure and negative pressure systems, to prevent the spread of asbestos dust and fibres.

Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal

Non-licensed asbestos removal is required for lower risk asbestos-containing materials, such as floor tiles and cement products. These materials are classified as non-licensed because they are less likely to release dangerous levels of asbestos fibres.

However, non-licensed asbestos removal still requires the use of personal protective equipment, such as disposable overalls, gloves, and respirators. Workers will also use dust suppression techniques and vacuum equipment to ensure that any asbestos dust and fibres are safely removed.

The Risks of Asbestos Exposure

As previously mentioned, exposure to asbestos fibres can cause a range of serious health problems, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. These diseases can take years to develop, and once diagnosed, they are often fatal.

Asbestos-containing material that is not disturbed or damaged is unlikely to release dangerous levels of asbestos fibres into the air. However, if you suspect that asbestos-containing material in your building has been damaged or is in poor condition, you should contact a licensed asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are committed to providing affordable and efficient asbestos removal services to our clients. As a licensed asbestos removal company in Hampshire, we have the experience and expertise to safely and legally remove all types of asbestos-containing material from your building.

Our team of skilled professionals uses the latest techniques and equipment to ensure that all asbestos-containing material is removed safely and without risk to your health. We also offer asbestos testing services to determine whether asbestos is present in your building.

We understand that asbestos removal can be a stressful and costly process for many homeowners and businesses in Hampshire. That's why we offer competitive prices without compromising on the quality of service.

Contact Us Today

If you suspect that your building contains asbestos-containing material or have any questions about asbestos removal in Hampshire, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today.

You can reach us by phone at 01962 458066, or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about our services and how we can help you safely and legally remove asbestos from your building.