An expert has revealed what to do if you suspect you have asbestos in your home.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was commonly used in the building industry until the 1990s, when it was completely banned.
It can be deadly if inhaled, and it is still present in many buildings today. It can be found in products or materials like flooring, wall coverings and guttering.
The number of homeowners removing asbestos surged by 21% last year, with more than 22,000 jobs completed in 2024.
While it is not considered dangerous unless the fibres are disturbed or damaged, exposure to it can have deadly consequences.
Jamie Gatley of J G Asbestos Services has revealed what to watch out for, and what to do if you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home.
He warned that any house built or renovated between the 1950s and 1990s is likely to contain an element of asbestos.
Mr Gately told the Mailonline: “When renovating flooring, be especially aware when changing any vinyl-type tiles or linoleum.
“For anyone in an older home that could be affected, I would always recommend carrying out an asbestos check or survey with a reliable and well-reviewed company.
‘When doing so, look for the correct asbestos surveying qualifications and check that samples are being analysed at a UKAS-accredited laboratory.”
Households can also arrange a professional asbestos survey, which generally comes between £200 and £350, but can cost up to £1,000.
Asbestos can cause asbestosis, a lung condition that affects people exposed to the material.
While it’s considered rare, asbestos is a serious condition that cannot be cured but could be improved with treatment.
A person may have been exposed to asbestos if they worked in an industry such as building or construction from the 1950s to the 1990s, or if today their job involves working in old buildings, for example as demolition workers and plumbers.
If a person is found to have an asbestos-related condition, they can apply for industrial injuries benefits.
