Asbestos in Northern Ireland - Over 70% of Housing Executive Properties Contain Asbestos

6 Jul 2016

Over 70% of the Housing Executive Properties in Northern Ireland contain asbestos. It only poses a danger if it is compromised or disturbed. However, 4,000 people die from asbestos related diseases across the U.K. every year, so it is a threat that should be taken seriously. It takes many years for the damage done by asbestos to show up as cancer or another related disease, so it is present in many homes for decades before it is found.

The Housing Association says that they have treated asbestos in almost 1,400 homes. However, that leaves 69,747 homes believed to contain asbestos. They say that they have a plan which includes periodic surveying and monitoring of homes with asbestos. They also say that the majority of the properties has asbestos in low risk areas like floor or roof tiles. They advise tenants not to make any home improvements without consulting the Housing Executive. The Executive will check the survey details, or have an asbestos survey performed before work can be done. They say they will only remove asbestos that is deemed to pose an immediate health risk.

Others say that asbestos should be removed from all properties. Their concern is that things like fire or accidental damage can disturb the asbestos and pose a serious health risk to occupants.

Asbestos is a concern all across the world. If you are concerned that you may have asbestos in your home, OHSS can perform an asbestos survey. We can tell you if you have asbestos and suggest a course of action.

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