Asbestos Information
Asbestos is one of the UK’s most well-known — and most misunderstood — hazardous materials.
At HazMatPro, we believe in helping homeowners, landlords, businesses and contractors make informed decisions when it comes to identifying, handling, and removing asbestos safely.
This section is your complete asbestos information hub, covering everything from what asbestos is and where it’s found, to the health risks and legal responsibilities of dealing with it.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of thin, heat-resistant fibres. It was widely used in UK construction and manufacturing due to its insulation, fireproofing, and durability properties. However, asbestos becomes dangerous when its fibres are released into the air and inhaled, leading to serious long-term health conditions. Although banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos remains present in millions of older buildings and homes across the country.
Types of Asbestos
There are six main types of asbestos, but the three most commonly found in the UK are chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos). Each type varies in fibre structure, risk level, and historical usage. Understanding the type of asbestos present in a material is vital for determining the right removal method and level of hazard.
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found
Asbestos can be found in a wide range of materials in buildings constructed before 2000. Common locations include garage roofs, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe lagging, boiler flues, cement sheets, insulation boards, and textured coatings like Artex. Its use was especially widespread in domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings built between the 1950s and 1980s.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to serious, often fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural thickening. The health risks are especially severe with prolonged or repeated exposure — and symptoms may not appear for 20–30 years after inhalation. That’s why professional handling and early identification of asbestos are so critical.
How to Identify Asbestos in Your Property
Asbestos can be hard to identify by sight alone, as it was often mixed into other materials. If your property was built before 2000 and contains materials like cement sheets, pipe insulation, or old floor tiles, there’s a chance they could contain asbestos. The only way to be certain is through professional asbestos sampling and laboratory testing.
UK Asbestos Laws & Regulations
In the UK, asbestos use has been banned since 1999, and strict regulations are in place to manage its risks. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires duty holders to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises, and removal must be carried out by trained, licensed professionals. Failure to comply can result in serious legal and health consequences.
What to Do If You Discover Asbestos
If you suspect or discover asbestos in your home or workplace, do not disturb it. Avoid drilling, cutting, or removing the material yourself. Contact a licensed asbestos professional for inspection and guidance. HazMatPro can carry out safe asbestos testing, surveys, and removal throughout the UK to give you peace of mind and legal compliance.
Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?
If you own, manage, or plan to refurbish a property built before 2000, an asbestos survey is highly recommended — and legally required in many cases. There are two main types: Management Surveys to identify asbestos during normal occupancy, and Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys before any building work. HazMatPro offers both types, with detailed reports and guidance for next steps.
How Does Our Process Work?
Getting rid of asbestos with HazMatPro is straightforward:
Assessment
We start by assessing your property to identify any asbestos-containing materials.
Planning
Next, we create a detailed plan for safe removal, tailored to your specific situation.
Removal
Our team will safely remove all asbestos materials, ensuring your home is left clean and safe.
Disposal
We dispose of all asbestos waste responsibly, following all local regulations.
a full range of asbestos services
Our Asbestos Services
Garage & Roof Removal
Safe, Licensed Removal of Asbestos Garages, Sheds & Roofs Across the UK.
Asbestos Disposal
Licensed Asbestos Waste Disposal for Homes and Businesses.
Commercial Asbestos Removal
Licensed Asbestos Removal for Businesses, Landlords & Property Managers.
Asbestos Surveys
Fast, Professional Asbestos Surveys for Homes & Businesses.
Why Choose HazMatPro?
We're a local Essex-based team offering rapid response times throughout the UK.
Licensed & Compliant
Fully insured and compliant with HSE and UK asbestos regulations.
Domestic & Commercial Work
We handle jobs of all sizes, including emergency asbestos removals.
All Types of Asbestos Removed
From artex ceilings and roof sheets to pipe lagging and floor tiles.
Free Quotes & Surveys
No-obligation advice from experienced asbestos professionals.
Get a Free Quote Today
Looking for asbestos professional removal?
Need asbestos removal? Speak to a member of our expert team today. We offer:
✅ Free advice
✅ Fast, no-obligation quotes
✅ Work scheduled to suit you
Call us now on:
Our asbestos services
We offer a range of asbestos removal and disposal services across the UK.
Get In Touch
Think You’ve Found Asbestos? Don’t Take the Risk.
At HazMatPro, we specialise in professional asbestos removal across the UK. With fully licensed operatives and years of experience, we deliver safe, compliant, and efficient solutions for both residential and commercial properties. From surveys and testing to complete asbestos removal, we’re committed to protecting your health and your property.
© Copyright. HazMatPro. 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Website built by Eastway Media.