Are you a...member of the public?

What you need to know

Asbestos can be found in any house or building built before the year 2000 as it was widely used in a variety of building materials.  

If asbestos materials are in good condition, and in a place where they are unlikely to be disturbed, then they should not cause any harm.

It is only when the materials are damaged or disturbed, so that fibres are released, that asbestos can become a danger.

HSE's role is to provide information and advice specifically to protect workers who may be exposed to asbestos while doing their jobs. Workers who may fairly often disturb asbestos-containing materials are at much greater risk of accumulating significant cumulative exposure than a member of the public who will only have fleeting isolated exposures, and often from a distance away. The risk to the public is normally very much lessened because risk reduces the lower the exposure. However, answers to a number of common enquiries received from the public are available on the FAQ page.

• What is the law concerning asbestos in domestic properties?
• I have just bought a property. Could it contain asbestos?
• I think I may have asbestos in my home. What should I do?

Should these FAQ's not give you the information you are looking for, please contact your local authority.