Other Asbestos Products: Less Common Materials Found in Buildings

Less Common Asbestos Products Found in Buildings

Asbestos is usually associated with boards, cement, lagging and coatings, but it was also used in many specialist materials. Some of these less common products are still found in older buildings and industrial sites today.

These materials can be harder to spot than the more familiar ones, but they can still release asbestos fibres if disturbed. It is important to handle them carefully and get professional advice before doing any work near them.

Asbestos in Plastics

Asbestos was sometimes mixed into plastics and resins to make them more heat-resistant, stronger and longer-lasting. You might find asbestos in:

• Electrical switch casings
• Fuse boxes
• Plastic panels or housings in boilers
• Engine components in workshops or factories

These materials are usually safe if left alone, but cutting, drilling or grinding them can release asbestos fibres.

Asbestos Textiles

Asbestos fibres were woven into cloths, ropes and blankets to provide insulation and protect against fire. Common examples include:

• Fire blankets
• Insulating cloths for furnaces or pipes
• Curtains or fire screens in industrial buildings
• Protective gloves or aprons for workers

Textiles are high-risk if they are damaged or frayed, because loose fibres can easily get into the air.

Gaskets, Seals and Packing

Asbestos was often used in gaskets and seals because it can withstand high heat and pressure. Typical locations include:

• Pipe flanges and valves
• Boiler doors and furnace panels
• Engine and machinery parts in older factories

These materials are usually small, but they can release fibres if they are broken, cut, or removed.

Asbestos Ropes and Cords

Asbestos ropes and cords were used to protect against fire and to seal gaps. You may find them:

• Around stoves and furnaces
• As door seals in industrial ovens
• Providing high-temperature insulation in workshops

Ropes and cords can be dangerous if they are frayed or disturbed, because fibres can easily become airborne.

Other Places Asbestos Was Used

Asbestos was also used in a range of other products, including:

• Brake and clutch linings in vehicles
• Vinyl floor adhesives and mastics
• Certain roofing felts and sealants
• Laboratory and chemical protective equipment

Even small amounts of asbestos can be dangerous if disturbed or if the material begins to break down.

Why Professional Asbestos Advice Matters

You cannot tell just by looking whether a material contains asbestos. Many plastics, textiles and gaskets appear completely safe but may still contain asbestos fibres. A professional asbestos survey or sampling will:

• Identify whether asbestos is present
• Confirm the type and condition of the material
• Help you meet your legal duties safely
• Reduce the risk of accidental exposure

Need Help Identifying Asbestos?

If you think a less common asbestos product might be present in your building, HSG Surveys offers asbestos surveys and sampling across the North of England. We give clear advice and reports to help you manage any risks safely.

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