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Asbestos

 
We advise homeowners on the detection and safe removal of low-risk asbestos from houses, sheds and garages. Homeowners and the council have a legal responsibility to ensure that any asbestos in houses is safe.

Talk to an expert

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that was once in widespread use as a building material. When it became apparent that breathing in asbestos fibres or 'dust' over many years can give rise to serious health effects, its use in residential property was banned. 

However, removing asbestos that is already there is not always the safest option. In fact, disturbing asbestos materials may generate the fine dust particles you are trying to avoid, increasing the health risks. This is why you should always seek expert advice on this issue.

If you have asbestos in your home or property

Always seek specialist advice:

  • consult the building owner or your landlord – they may already know exactly where it is and what needs (or does not need) to be done.
  • if you are not satisfied with what you have been told, contact us on 020 8921 8171 or email pollution.monitoring@greenwich.gov.uk.

Removal and disposal

We survey council homes and buildings, identifying asbestos by location, type and condition. A risk assessment is made to find out:

  • if the asbestos needs to be removed (if in good condition it may not be necessary)
  • whether it can be made safe by sealing it in
  • what is the safest method of removal 
We will monitor the safe removal process of any dangerous material. 

Emergencies

If you have an asbestos emergency, phone 020 8921 8171 during office hours, or phone the Council’s Emergency number 020 8854 8888.

For further information

Download the leaflets below:

Asbestos safety information (pdf 15Kb)

Working with asbestos in buildings (pdf 185Kb)

A short guide to managing asbestos in premises (pdf 335Kb) 

(To view these documents, you will require Adobe Acrobat, this can be downloaded via the link on the right.)

Related links

 
Housing – more information

Other health related information 

Hazardous waste

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