Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was used extensively in building products throughout the 20th century because of its excellent heat resistance, tensile strength, and fire-retardant properties. Its use was eventually banned as the serious health risks of asbestos fibre inhalation became fully understood, but it is still present in millions of UK buildings.

Early Use and Growth

Asbestos was first used commercially in the late 19th century in industrial applications such as pipe lagging and boiler insulation. Its use in residential building products grew steadily from the early 20th century. By the 1930s, asbestos-containing materials were commonplace in UK construction, used in wall and ceiling coverings, floor tiles, gutters, downpipes, roofing sheets, and insulation products. The post-war building boom of the 1940s through to the 1970s significantly expanded the use of asbestos in residential buildings, as the construction industry sought economical, durable, and fireproof materials.

Peak Use

The peak period of asbestos use in UK construction was from the 1950s through to the early 1980s. Properties built or substantially renovated during this period are most likely to contain asbestos-containing materials. Common locations in domestic buildings include Artex textured ceiling coatings applied from the 1960s to 1990s, which often contained asbestos, vinyl floor tiles from the same period, flat roof coatings, corrugated garage roof sheets, pipe lagging in boiler cupboards, and insulating board used in fire-resistant partitions and around boilers and heating equipment.

Bans and Phase-Out

The most dangerous form of asbestos, blue asbestos (crocidolite), was banned in the UK in 1970. Brown asbestos (amosite) was banned in 1985. White asbestos (chrysotile), the most commonly used type, remained in use until it was banned in all products in the UK in 1999. After 1999, no new asbestos-containing building products could be used, but materials installed before the ban can remain in place if they are in good condition and are managed appropriately.

Summary

Asbestos was used in UK building products from the early 20th century, with peak use from the 1950s to early 1980s. All forms of asbestos in building products were banned in 1999. Properties built between the 1930s and 1999 are most likely to contain asbestos. An asbestos survey before renovation work on pre-2000 properties identifies any asbestos present and its condition, enabling safe management or removal.