My uncle lived near that factory and used to play in the powdered asbestos that lay on the streets almost like snow. He ended up with mesothelioma, was a nasty way to go
Your guttering is most likely to be asbestos cement and although it has a relatively low asbestos content, around 12%. It will also be of the serpentile category, Chrysotile which is less hazardous Amphobolic categories like Crocidolite and Amosite. That said what you have is dangerous if the fibres get airbourne because those fibres are < 5 microns. This means the fibres can get past the ciliary tract and enter deep into the lungs. This can lead to lung cancer, Asbestosis and worst of all Mesothelioma. Asbestos cement products can be dismantled by someone who is not licensed but it is extremely difficult without breaking. I strongly advise you don’t try, leave it to a professional.
I used to work for a fascia, soffitts,,gutter firm, never came across asbestos gutter but the soffitts were always, think it had a bond in it or it would have been end of the fascia firm with how much the asbestos would have cost to remove, i worked in the sales side but the fitters still had to wear a mask,damp down the soffitts just in case any broke, rap it inside a red bag then clear bag,back at yard fitters put it in its own skip.i think the most dangerous at the time was blue asbestos where 1 fibre on your lung could kill you,find out what kind the gutter is.everyone needs to be safe, but you can get ripped off massively if it's bonded just down to the fear factor.if you have fascia,soffitts aswell get a price for lot doing, phone up just for your gutters replacing roofers should know there buisness.dont be fooled by conman bumping you up thousands because it's asbestos, 20 odd years ago since I worked for just fascias, 100 quid probably went on price of your average semi.
That’s not correct. Asbestos fibres are less than five microns and a respirator is preferred, however a FFP3 or FMP3 mask is an acceptable alternative. Having said that doing this work is not recommended. The fibres cause respiratory issues like pleural plaques, asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The latter three are usually fatal. Amphobolic fibres which have a tiny barb, which in very rare cases if they become in contact with skin, may lead to asbestos warts. These are benign and have no long term ham.
Thanks for the replies. Hadn't realised there were a number of different types of asbestos! Think mine is asbestos cement the least 'nasty' but nevertheless best avoided. Local tip will provide bags for small amounts and take asbestos free of charge - think you have to buy the bags. However with the gutters it would mean breaking them up to small bits which isn't a good idea! So have contacted a local asbestos disposal company to take gutters.
Also worth pointing out is that asbestos was often used in artex plasterwork. It became illegal 25/30 yrs ago but before then there is a possibility that it contains a dangerous type of asbestos. If you contemplate buying a house with old artex type decor, then get it tested by a qualified company Usually, it may be adequate to skim over it but often they’d recommend removal. Similarly, get rid of any sheds/ garages of the old timber and asbestos construction.
Some Artex may contain a small amount of Asbestos usually Chrysotile (white asbestos). The content is not more than 2% to 3%. If you need to drill Artex you can do it yourself but I suggest you put wallpaper paste over the drill area to catch any fibres, then clean it up with kitchen roll. This work does not require a licensed contractor.
