18 March 2010Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance and asbestos fibres are released into the atmosphere all the time. Everyone will be exposed to some asbestos fibres, whether working under an asbestos cement roof, playing in the local park or sailing across the ocean.
At the very low natural levels, the fibres do not cause a danger. However, asbestos fibres cause a problem when the level of free fibres is increased by the inappropriate use of asbestos products by man.
Asbestos still conjures up a genuine fear of irreversible damage to health. Although there are still some deaths linked to working with asbestos many years ago, the risk of catching an asbestos related disease has reduced thanks to better recognition, management and disposal of asbestos and the products that use it.
Further information is available on the following websites:
The Asbestos Information Centre
Health and Safety Executive - General Information
Health and Safety Executive - Asbestos Health & Safety
NHS Choices - Asbestosis - Introduction
If you are a householder seeking guidance, please refer to our leaflet Asbestos - Advice to Householders (
PDF File 38KB file details). We recommend that you always contact a specialist if you are unsure. A list of specialists can be found in the local yellow pages etc.
If you have any further queries, you can contact the Enviromental Protection Team at the Council on 01732 227000, or e-mail environmental.protection@sevenoaks.gov.uk.
