Asbestos

Asbestos attracts particular attention because it has had such a devastating effect for so many people.

There are three common types

1. White (chrysotile),
2. Brown (amosite)
3. Blue (crocidolite)

People working directly with asbestos are clearly at risk, but the main problem is that it had many applications, and this leads to exposure to others for many years after. Typical uses included:

* Pipe lagging,
* Ceiling tiles,
* Roof and wall sheeting (asbestos cement)
* Coatings sprayed on to steel structures to provide fire insulation
* Thermal insulation in lofts and walls
* Gaskets.

Illnesses caused by asbestos inhalation include

* Pneumoconiosis
* Asthma
* Asbestosis
* Mesothelioma
* Lung cancer.

Covered by the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations. As ammended in 2002 create duty to manage asbestos by identifying where it is and assess risks. Then decide. whether to removed, encapsulate or leave. Need to keep a register of any that is left and monitor its condition.