Asbestos

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of fibre. Materials made with asbestos are strong, incombustible, heat-resistant and sound-absorbent, making asbestos an attractive material for fireproofing, electrical and building insulation, among other uses.

There are 3 main types: Chrysotile (white), Amosite (brown) and Crocidolite (blue) asbestos.

Why is it my house?

Asbestos was used in numerous products, as it was a good insulator and fireproofing product. In Ireland, any building or material manufactured or refurbished before the year 2000 may contain these products. Until 1999, when it was banned, asbestos was used in numerous products, such as commercial buildings, homes and machinery, as it was a good insulator and fireproofing product. In Ireland, there is a greater risk of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) in buildings built pre-2000.

What are the health effects of asbestos fibres?

The risk of developing an asbestos disease is related to the type of asbestos and the duration and level of exposure. When ACMs are damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibres may be released into the air, which, if breathed in, may cause serious, and often fatal, diseases.

Asbestos is only a risk to health if the fibres become airborne and are breathed into the lungs. Asbestos-containing products that are in good condition do not represent a significant risk unless they are damaged. Recent research shows that single or low-level exposures are unlikely to lead to disease. The risks with such exposure could be considered “insignificant”.

You cannot tell if a product contains asbestos just by looking at it. Clúid will let you know what type and where and how to manage the risk so that it is not harmful to you.

Advice for Tenants

Contact us straightaway if:

• You have any concerns about asbestos-containing materials on your property
• Any materials you think may contain asbestos or have been told contain asbestos have become damaged or disturbed.

Make sure that:

• Any material you have been told contains asbestos stays in good condition
• Before you carry out any DIY work you should get our advice. You may also need permission under the conditions of your tenancy. Remember, materials that contain asbestos which are in good condition are not a risk to your health.

Make sure you don’t:

• Work on, damage or remove materials containing asbestos, including drilling, cutting, scraping or sanding
• Jet-wash or clean down asbestos cement roofing materials such as a corrugated garage or shed roofs
• Remove old floor tiles or linoleum which could contain asbestos.

For more information on asbestos https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Asbestos/