Asbestos garage - Is it only dangerous when you take it down?

ahfh1

Hi,

I have an asbestos garage. Is it only dangerous if I take down the garage, and say, the asbestos material breaks and I breathe in the asbestos?

I just want to use the garage for storage, so will I be safe?

Thanks

becks92

Hi There

I think so as our garage has an asbestos roof and we were told it was no problem unless we wanted to take it down.

You should be fine if its just storage.

Bx

leveller2911

There are many types of Asbestos ,the 3 we tend to hear about are Blue,Brown and white.All 3 are banned in the UK ,however white asbestos(mainly found in garages,roofing sheets etc) is still used in many parts of the world and has a reduced risk compared to Blue and Brown Asbestos.The HSE say that there is still a risk with white (which im sure there is) but if you inhale enough self raising flour it can kill you.The fact is almost any substance in a powder form can be harmful.

Theres a fair amount of scare mongering going on with white asbestos mainly because theres lots of money to be made.
I really wouldn't worry too much....

http://www.thefreesociety.org/Articles/Features/the-great-asbestos-deception-does-this-sound-familiar


Interesting to note that white asbestos in its dust form is the same mineral as Talcum powder.......You learn something new every day:D

iamcornholio

Working with asbestos cement sheet outside poses very little risk even if you break it. The fibres will be blown away and dispersed by the air.

If you leave it up, it is perfectly safe

mahoney

Loads of garages have asbestos roofs. From what I've read there's only any risk if you actually break it up. I have an asbestos roof garaage - 1930's semi. So does everyone on my street .....Don't worry!

Suzy_M

If you are going to be in and out paint the surface to 'lay' any dust. Bog standard emulsion will do - dilute the first coat.

27col

ahfh1 wrote: »

Hi,

I have an asbestos garage. Is it only dangerous if I take down the garage, and say, the asbestos material breaks and I breathe in the asbestos?

I just want to use the garage for storage, so will I be safe?

Thanks

Why should it break. Although asbestos can be dangerous if inhaled, there is an awful lot of hype put about by people who have a vested interest in everyone else being scared stiff of the stuff.

jandm_2

We bought our house last year complete with an asbestos garage (roof & walls). It is noted in our house valuation from Nationwide. It was in a state of disrepair when we bought it, but so was the house. We were assured it was safe as it wasn't breaking up. Well one year on and the "cracks" are starting to show! It really isn't looking good and has also started to leak. After various google's we found some people saying their house insurance would pay. Therefore we are now trying to find out if this really is the case? We know it will be an expensive job, and one that needs doing but cash will not allow. Does anyone have any ideas/experiences. We don't want to remove ourselves as we have 4 children between us and would like to be there for them growing up...

maninthestreet

Asbestos sheet does not deteriorate with age, even when exposed to the elements, which is why it's used for things like garage roofs/walls. It can be safely removed and disposed off by a householder, as long as the correct procedures are followed:


http://www.ealing.gov.uk/services/environment/pollution/hazardous_waste_and_substances/asbestos/

keith969

You have a far greater chance of dying in a car accident than from dismantling an asbestos garage roof!