What is it?
Asbestos is a natural occurring mineral which is common in the Earth's crust. The name originates from the Greek word for ‘inextinguishable' and since the 1950's asbestos has been extensively used as a building material in the UK due to its almost ‘imperishable' qualities. 
There are various identified forms of asbestos including:
• chrysotile (white)
• crocidolite (blue)
• grunerite (aka. amosite) (brown)
Despite asbestos having a very prominent history of use in the UK construction industry, over the years it has been discovered to be a serious risk to health.
Where can it be found?
Visit the HSE website for information on the Hidden Killer Campaign and possible asbestos locations.
What are the effects?
The number of people dying each year of illnesses resulting from exposure to asbestos currently stands at several thousand and still rising, making asbestos the single largest cause of death due to a work related illness according to the Health and Safety Executive.
Please view the Mesothelioma - The human face of an asbestos epidemic video produced by Forum of Asbestos Victim Support Groups.
Asbestos exposure can result in a number of illnesses including:
• Asbestosis
• Mesothelioma
• Lung Cancer
• Diffuse Pleural Thickening
Recording the immediate effects of exposure to asbestos is near impossible, as when the exposure occurs there are no initial effects. It takes many years, often decades, for the symptoms of exposure to become apparent. Once the asbestos fibres have entered the body and symptoms are eventually apparent, the effects are irreversible. 
Every year, ACAD donate £1000 to the British Lung Foundation.
How do you become exposed?
Asbestos assumes a greater risk when the fibres become airborne, allowing them to be breathed in. This could be due to damage, drilling or cutting, etc. As we have seen, once these asbestos fibres have entered the body and if it results in the person going on to develop an asbestos related illness, there are no known cures. Therefore, we must prevent exposure to asbestos from occurring, or if this is not possible then exposure must be reduced to the lowest possible level.
What can I do to prevent exposure?
Most accidental exposure to asbestos contamination is as a result of maintenance or building work being carried out where the presence of asbestos has not been realised. To address this, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 requires that every employer shall ensure adequate information, instruction and training is given to those employees who are, or are liable to be, exposed to asbestos, or who supervise such employees.
The Approved Code of Practice, "Work with materials containing asbestos" goes further and gives a list of trades and work that should receive such training.
It is important that once asbestos has been identified, all employees require asbestos training which should be delivered by someone competent, with sufficient knowledge and experience and who is able to meet their specific training needs.
Please visit the ACAD Asbestos Training page to view a list of asbestos courses available.
Who can I contact to remove the asbestos?
It is difficult to recognise asbestos by sight alone. Do not panic if you believe you have asbestos in your home or garage - but equally, do not just ignore it. Seek qualified help from a professional company to determine the best course of action which include:
• The asbestos can sometimes remain in situ with a record made of its location and checks made periodically on its condition
• The asbestos can be encapsulated (sealed in) using special protective sealants formulated for the asbestos industry
• The asbestos can be completely removed by a company holding a current "asbestos removal licence"
If you come across a substance you have reason to believe may contain asbestos: do not touch or disturb it in any way (no drilling, cutting, or scraping!) and/or seek advice on the correct precautions to be taken from an asbestos professional. Commission a risk assessment, survey, or a removal specialist. ACAD have members who specialise in all of these areas.
There are a number of qualified asbestos removers throughout the UK, however ACAD ensure all its members are up-to-date with all licensing requirements and legislation; therefore you can rest assure any ACAD member will adhere to your asbestos requirements.
For a list of ACAD Members who will be able to assist you, click here.