Global Asbestos Awareness Week
Global Asbestos Awareness Week takes place from 1-7 April each year. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the risks and dangers linked to asbestos exposure.
To support the campaign, we asked David Ratcliffe, Director of Analytical Services, to explain the types of asbestos found in the UK and the testing methods used to identify them.
Introduction to the Asbestos Ban
Asbestos was once valued for its durability and versatility. Over time, it became linked with severe health risks. The UK used asbestos widely in construction and manufacturing until the dangers became fully recognised in the 1970s.
In 1985, the government banned blue and brown asbestos, followed by a complete ban in 1999. Many buildings constructed before the mid-1980s still contain asbestos today. Understanding asbestos types and using reliable testing methods remain essential for managing these risks.
6 Types of Asbestos Found in the UK
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre valued for its heat resistance and strength. The six types fall into two groups: Serpentine and Amphibole.
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) hold long, thin crystals. Each crystal contains microscopic fibrils that can be released into the environment when materials are disturbed.
1. Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
Chrysotile is the most common asbestos type found in UK buildings (and worldwide). It belongs to the serpentine group and appears in insulation, cement, and roofing materials.
2. Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
Amosite is an Amphibole asbestos used in insulation boards, ceiling tiles, and thermal insulation. Its long, needle-like fibres make it more hazardous than Chrysotile.
3. Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
Crocidolite is an Amphibole asbestos with a distinctive blue colour. It was widely used for insulation and lagging, especially in steam engines and pipework. It is the most lethal asbestos because its brittle fibres break down easily and become airborne, which can then be inhaled.
4. Anthophyllite
Anthophyllite is less common but still appears in some insulation and cement products.
5. Tremolite
Tremolite is an Amphibole asbestos found as a contaminant in talc and other asbestos minerals. It was rarely used commercially but may still exist in certain materials.
6. Actinolite
Actinolite asbestos is rare and had limited commercial applications. It can appear in some construction products and as a contaminant in vermiculite.
Why Understanding Asbestos Types Matters
Different asbestos types behave differently when damaged. Knowing which type is present helps assess the risk and choose the right management strategy. This information protects workers, building occupants, and the wider environment.
Testing for Asbestos in Materials
Testing identifies whether a material contains asbestos and determines its type. Professionals use several recognised methods to assess and confirm asbestos content.
Visual Inspection
A visual inspection is usually the first step to identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Trained specialists assess texture, condition, and appearance. However, visual checks cannot confirm asbestos on their own.
Sampling and Laboratory Analysis
Sampling requires carefully removing a small section of the suspect material (a representative sample in the case of soil / made ground). Laboratories then analyse the sample using accredited methods. Our Leicester chemistry laboratory provides UKAS-accredited asbestos identification and quantification for bulk and soil samples.
Air Monitoring
Air monitoring measures airborne asbestos fibre concentrations. It is essential during demolition, renovation, or any activity that may disturb materials. These measurements confirm regulatory compliance and protect workers and occupants from asbestos exposure.
Non-Destructive Testing
Non-destructive tools, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), identify elements within a material without damaging it. These instruments help detect asbestos fibres by analysing material composition.
Risk Assessment
Once ACMs are confirmed, specialists carry out a risk assessment. They evaluate the likelihood of fibre release based on condition, location, and activity within the area. This assessment guides actions such as encapsulation, enclosure, or licensed removal.
The Importance of Professional Asbestos Testing
Understanding the different asbestos types and using robust testing methods remains essential for safe management. Accurate testing and informed risk assessment make it possible to identify ACMs effectively.
By prioritising these steps, we can reduce asbestos exposure and protect workers and occupants across the UK.
Ongoing Risks and Responsibilities
Although asbestos is banned, its legacy remains. Workers in construction and maintenance still risk encountering ACMs regularly. Anyone working on a building of any age should request the asbestos register and management survey, or a refurbishment and demolition survey where relevant.
CTS Asbestos Testing Services
At CTS, we provide UKAS-accredited asbestos identification and quantification for bulk and soil samples. These services support project safety and supply the information needed to plan remediation work.
We also operate a Contaminated Materials Testing (Red Lab) to help organisations assess aggregates and soil contamination.
Complementary services can also be delivered through our sister companies within the Phenna Group. They can offer asbestos remediation strategy support and verification services to complete the process safely and effectively.