What is asbestos-cement cladding?

Asbestos-cement cladding is a building material made from a mixture of asbestos fibres, cement, and water. It was commonly used in the construction of buildings in the 20th century, particularly in the UK, due to its durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance requirements. However, due to the health risks associated with asbestos, its use has since been banned in many countries.

Asbestos-cement cladding typically contains between 5% and 15% asbestos fibres, which are bound together by the cement. The fibres are usually chrysotile (white asbestos), which is the most common type of asbestos. When disturbed, these fibres can be released into the air and inhaled, leading to serious health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

The use of asbestos-cement cladding has declined significantly since the 1980s, as awareness of the health risks associated with asbestos increased. In the UK, for example, the sale and use of asbestos-cement cladding was banned in 1999. However, many buildings still contain asbestos-cement cladding, which poses a potential health risk to occupants and construction workers.

If you suspect that a building may contain asbestos-cement cladding, it is important to have it inspected by a qualified asbestos surveyor. If asbestos is present, it should be removed or encapsulated to prevent the release of fibres into the air.