Asbestos is a mineral known for its heat resistance, strength and insulating properties. It can be found in rock and soil and is composed of long, thin and fibrous crystals. We’ve used asbestos all throughout history, with evidence found in Greek and Egyptian ruins from the days of their empires. Today, asbestos is known for its toxicity to human beings, a fact we had no idea about until a study in the 1920s where it was linked to lung diseases.

These health risks are still common when dealing with asbestos. Microscopic fibres can infiltrate the lungs of tenants in older buildings, as well as service and construction workers who come into contact with it in various situations. If the worst has happened and you have suffered from exposure to asbestos, you might be owed compensation.

Types of asbestos:

There are many types of asbestos. Being aware of the differences, how they look and where they may be used could save your life:

  • Actinolite (Amphibole)

Colour: Dark

Uses: Commonly used in cement, insulation materials, paints, sealants, and plasterboard.

  • Amosite (Amphibole)

Colour: Brown

Uses: Found in insulation, gaskets, and tiles.

  • Anthophyllite (Amphibole)

Colour: Yellow to brown

Uses: Used in some cement and insulation materials.

  • Chrysotile (Serpentine)

Also Known As: White asbestos

Uses: Found in various insulation and fireproofing products.

  • Crocidolite (Amphibole)

Colour: Blue

Uses: Used in cement, tiles, and insulation materials.

  • Tremolite (Amphibole)

Colour: Milky white to dark green

Uses: Found in paint, sealants, and plumbing materials.

Friable vs. non-friable

Understanding the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos is important when handling either substance. So, how are friable and non-friable asbestos different?

Friable

Friable asbestos can be easily crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to powder by hand when dry. This includes insulation materials, spray-applied fireproofing, and asbestos-containing plaster. Friable asbestos poses a high health risk because of how easily it can be dispersed into the air — potentially causing serious respiratory illnesses like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Strict conditions are required for the handling and removal of friable asbestos. These include proper containment, ventilation, and removal by a certified professional.

Non-friable

Non-friable asbestos consists of materials where asbestos fibres are bound within a solid matrix, making them difficult to crumble by hand when dry. Common examples are asbestos cement products, vinyl asbestos floor tiles, and asbestos-containing gaskets. These materials pose a lower risk as long as they remain intact. However, if they are damaged or disturbed, they can still release fibres. Handling non-friable asbestos involves avoiding activities that may damage the material, sealing it, and conducting a professional assessment if removal is necessary.

3 most common types of asbestos in the UK

In the UK, the three main types of asbestos that are used most commonly are blue asbestos (crocidolite), brown asbestos (amosite) and white asbestos (chrysotile). The most popular by far, and often found in insulation and fireproofing products is chrysotile. The next, amosite, is used in heat-resistant products. Then, crocidolite, which is less heat resistant, was commonly used in cement, tiles and insulation due to its strength. Despite their usage through history, these asbestos types are now strictly regulated due to the health risks associated with exposure to them.

How was asbestos used in the UK?

Asbestos was a very popular material in both construction work and industry generally.  It was cheap and strong.  It is resistant to fire, noise and provides excellent heat insulation. It was frequently mixed with cement and other materials.  It can be found on floors, in walls and in ceilings (particularly ceiling tiles) as well as around any type of equipment that generates heat or noise or has any type of fire risk.

 It was used to a huge extent in public and commercial buildings – offices, shops, schools and colleges – and hospitals. Also, it was commonly used on railway carriages and engines and on ships. Asbestos can be found in clutches and brake linings on older cars.

Regulations and bans on asbestos in the UK

It has been understood for well over 100 years that asbestos is dangerous. Over time, governments have come to the realisation that even small amounts of asbestos can cause significant and potentially fatal illness. 

Over the years, numerous laws and regulations have been passed:

  • 1931 – The Asbestos Industry Regulations
  • 1969 – The Asbestos Regulations — This was stricter guidance.
  • 1985 – The Asbestos Prohibition Regulations  — This banned both the import and use of blue and brown asbestos. 
  • 1987 – Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations — This was far stricter and wider ranging guidance.
  • 1999 – Asbestos prohibition amended regulations — This banned the import, supply and use of all asbestos containing products.
  • 2002 – Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations  — This was far stricter guidance again.
  • 2006 – Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations — The same legislation was updated.

Occupations with high asbestos use

Asbestos exposure is more common in blue-collar jobs, therefore, individuals with these occupations have a higher risk of developing asbestos-related lung cancer:

  • Automotive workers
  • Construction workers
  • Electricians
  • Insulation workers
  • Plumbers
  • Shipbuilders

Sadly, if you live with or regularly interact with someone who works in one of these trades, you may be at risk of secondary exposure. This happens when those exposed bring home the fibres on clothes, hair or skin.

Asbestos exposure related diseases and health risks 

Exposure to asbestos can lead to severe health risks. Here are some of the most common:

  • Lung Cancer

Caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.

Often diagnosed in later stages due to its long latency period.

  • Mesothelioma

A rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and abdomen.

Directly linked to asbestos exposure.

Long latency period, often taking decades to manifest.

  • Asbestosis

A chronic lung disease resulting from prolonged asbestos exposure.

Causes lung inflammation and scarring.

Leads to respiratory issues and lung damage.

  • Pleural Thickening

Hardening and thickening of the lung lining.

Impairs breathing and lung function.

Can develop years after initial exposure.

Asbestos exposure victims’ legal options 

If the worst has happened and you have been exposed to asbestos, you may be owed compensation if you have developed a related illness. You can pursue an asbestos claim or mesothelioma claim against the employer or manufacturer that was responsible and receive both the compensation and justice you deserve.

At Express Solicitors, we’ll handle your case as respectfully and tactfully as we have with every case over our 20 years in the industry. And with our glowing Trustpilot reviews, you’ll see that you can trust us with your story and your case going forward.

Get in touch today to begin your asbestos claim and find out how much compensation you may be entitled to.