What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined from the ground. It is unique as it is the only mineral that can be woven into cloth. It can also be moulded into other forms such as sheeting, paper and rope. Asbestos is strong, flexible and fire resistant. Asbestos was often referred to as “the magic mineral”. Asbestos comes in three colours: blue, brown and white. Blue and brown asbestos fibres are considered more toxic to health than white fibres but white asbestos is still hazardous when inhaled. In the UK we predominantly used white asbestos. We have been told by numerous clients over the years that their employers said white asbestos was safe for them to use. This is wrong - all asbestos is potentially dangerous to health when the fibres are breathed in. Blue, brown and white asbestos can all cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques.
How was it used?
• Asbestos lagging can be found around pipework and boilers. Asbestos powder was mixed with water and applied as a paste. If the lagging deteriorates or is damaged, the fibres are released easily. Asbestos lagging was used extensively in hospitals, schools, factories, offices and other public buildings. • Asbestos was sprayed as fire insulation onto the steel girders and under floors of buildings. Blue asbestos was often used for this. • Asbestos insulating board was commonly used to make partitions and ceiling tiles. • Asbestos cement products were used to make roofs and wall cladding as well as gutters and downpipes for rainwater drainage.
02 Hodge Jones & Allen Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors
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