Asbestos may be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. For many homes and buildings in Cambridge, asbestos still lurks in insulation, roofing, and even floor tiles. It was once hailed as a miracle material. Today, it’s a known health hazard. If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in Cambridge, are you sure your property is asbestos-free?
What is Asbestos and Why Was It Used?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibres known for being:
- Heat-resistant
- Strong and durable
- Good at insulating
Because of these properties, it was widely used in UK construction, particularly from the 1930s to the late 1990s. You can still find it in:
- Ceiling tiles
- Pipe insulation
- Cement roofing sheets
- Floor tiles
- Garage roofs
- Textured coatings like Artex
The problem? When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release fine fibres into the air. These can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs.
What Are the Health Risks?
Inhaled asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs
- Asbestosis: Chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure
- Lung cancer: Strongly linked to asbestos exposure, especially in smokers
- Pleural thickening: Swelling and thickening of the lung lining, making breathing harder
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that over 5,000 asbestos-related deaths occur annually in the UK. That’s more than deaths from road accidents.
Why Is This Still a Problem in Cambridge?
Cambridge is known for its historic and period properties. Many of these were built before asbestos was banned in 1999. In fact:
- Victorian terraces may have asbestos in pipe lagging or old heating systems
- 1960s university buildings could contain sprayed coatings and asbestos boards
- Homes refurbished in the 80s or 90s might have asbestos cement roofs or panels
Have you had a refurbishment or loft conversion? Asbestos might have been disturbed. Is your garage roof cracking or breaking? It could be releasing fibres.
Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself?
Short answer: No, and you shouldn’t.
Asbestos removal is dangerous and heavily regulated. In the UK, you need a licensed contractor for most types of asbestos work.
DIY removal can lead to severe contamination, risking your health and that of your neighbours. Even small jobs like drilling into an asbestos ceiling can release thousands of fibres.
According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012:
- Work must be risk-assessed
- Safe working methods must be followed
- Waste must be disposed of at licensed facilities
What Should You Do If You Suspect Asbestos?
Here are the steps to follow:
- Don’t touch it. Leave the area alone.
- Get a professional survey. Use a UKAS-accredited asbestos surveyor.
- Confirm if removal is needed. Not all asbestos must be removed. Sometimes encapsulation (sealing it safely) is an option.
- Use a licensed removal contractor. Make sure they are HSE-licensed and experienced.
What Does Asbestos Removal in Cambridge Involve?
Cambridge has several local firms offering asbestos surveys and removal. A typical removal project includes:
- Full site survey
- Air quality monitoring
- Risk assessment and method statement
- Controlled removal using PPE and containment
- Decontamination of the site
- Safe disposal at a licensed landfill
For example:
- A typical residential garage roof removal costs around £800 to £1500
- Asbestos floor tile removal in a 3-bedroom home might cost £2000 to £4000
- Full industrial site removal projects can range from £20,000 to over £100,000
Who Is Legally Responsible?
The law is clear:
- Homeowners: You must not knowingly disturb asbestos. If selling, disclose known asbestos.
- Landlords: Legally responsible for managing asbestos in rental properties.
- Employers: Must protect employees from asbestos exposure under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Are you a landlord in Cambridge renting out an older property? Have you had a recent asbestos survey?
How Do You Choose a Qualified Contractor?
Look for:
- HSE licensing: Check the HSE database for licensed contractors
- UKAS-accredited surveyors
- Public liability and employer’s insurance
- References or case studies from similar projects
Ask them:
- What’s your process for containment?
- How do you handle waste?
- Can I see your air monitoring and clearance records?
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Removal?
Removing asbestos makes your property:
- Safer for occupants and visitors
- Easier to sell or let
- More valuable due to improved safety compliance
- Ready for future renovations without hazard risks
Buyers today are increasingly aware of environmental and health risks. A clear asbestos report adds trust and transparency to any property transaction.
Still Not Sure? Ask Yourself:
- Was my property built or refurbished before 2000?
- Are there old garage roofs, insulation boards, or textured ceilings?
- Have I planned any work that might disturb the structure?
- Has anyone checked for asbestos before?
If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time to act.
Where to Get Help in Cambridge
Local authorities and private firms in Cambridge offer asbestos-related services. Examples include:
- Cambridge City Council: Provides guidance on local waste disposal and environmental health
- Environmental Health Services: Advice on tenant and landlord responsibilities
- Specialist contractors: Search for asbestos removal companies such as asbestos-cambridge.co.uk operating in the CB postcode
Always check credentials before hiring.
Protect Your Property and Your Health
Asbestos is not a risk to ignore. Hidden fibres can linger in walls, ceilings, and roofs for decades. Knowing what you’re dealing with is the first step.
Don’t wait for a refurbishment or incident to uncover a deadly issue. Have your property checked. Take action. Stay safe.
Have you inspected your home or business for asbestos? If not, what’s stopping you?
It’s not just about regulations. It’s about peace of mind.
