What to do if you suspect asbestos is in your council home
What is asbestos
Asbestos used to be a common building material used in construction. It's cheap, strong and heat resistant, so was widely used in homes and other buildings from the 1930s until the mid 1980s.
Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 because it posed serious health risks.
Homes built after this date are unlikely to contain asbestos, but older properties may still have asbestos-containing materials.
Potential hazards of asbestos
Many people have concerns about the health effects of asbestos, but if left undisturbed it's not dangerous.
If it is disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne and can pose a health risk if inhaled. Long-term exposure to asbestos can lead to serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Risks to you
Most asbestos found in homes are a low risk and unlikely to harm your health.
We make sure asbestos containing materials in council homes are:
- managed to prevent exposure
- removed or repaired if they pose a higher risk
Where asbestos might be found in your home
Asbestos may be in various areas, including:
- corrugated cement-based sheeting on sheds and garages
- cement-based soffits (part of the roof that overhangs the exterior walls), downpipes, and gutters
- fire surrounds and flues
- toilet cisterns and seats
- textured coatings on ceilings and walls, such as artex
- vinyl floor tiles and their bitumen adhesive
- fuse boxes and fireproof panels on fire doors
Asbestos fibres are very small, so we use professional sampling and laboratory testing to identify it.
Your responsibilities and safety measures
It's important that you:
- report any signs of deterioration, such as cracks, fraying, or water damage
- get permission before you do any DIY or home improvement work that may disturb building materials
You must not:
- drill, cut, scrape, or sand suspected asbestos materials
- attempt to remove asbestos yourself and dispose of it at a standard waste site
- sweep up asbestos dust or debris, as this can release fibres into the air
Our responsibilities
We have a duty to:
- manage asbestos in communal areas
- take an active approach to ensure safety
We give residents asbestos information when they move into a property.
If asbestos removal is necessary, it's carried out by specialist asbestos contractors under strict safety regulations.
Contact information
If you think you've found asbestos in your council property:
- stop any work
- contact the Customer Services Centre on 0117 922 2200 between 8.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and ask for the Council Housing Repairs Team
We'll check our asbestos register to see if asbestos has been recorded at your home in the past.
We might need to carry out a survey and take samples to check if there is asbestos in your home. We'll do this for free.