Asbestos. The word alone can make homeowners uneasy.
But how much do you really know about it?
If you live in Cambridge, your property could still contain asbestos materials.
Not just in the roof. Not just in the walls. But in unexpected places you might never think to check.
So what types of asbestos might be lurking in your home?
And how dangerous are they?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibres once praised for their strength, insulation, and fire resistance.
These qualities made it a go-to material for builders between the 1930s and the late 1990s.
But here’s the problem: when disturbed, asbestos releases tiny fibres into the air. If inhaled, they can cause serious health issues like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
Cambridge, with its mix of Victorian terraces, post-war builds, and 20th-century council housing, has many homes that may still contain asbestos.
The Three Main Types of Asbestos Found in Cambridge Homes
There are six types of asbestos in total, but only three were commonly used in UK homes:
- Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
- Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
- Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
Each type has its own properties and risks. Let’s explore them.
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
Chrysotile is the most commonly found type of asbestos in Cambridge homes.
Where is it found?
- Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
- Textured ceilings (like Artex)
- Roof sheets (garage and shed roofs)
- Insulation boards
- Pipe lagging
Why was it used?
It’s flexible and heat-resistant. Ideal for domestic products.
Is it dangerous?
Yes. While it’s considered less hazardous than other forms, chrysotile still poses a health risk if fibres become airborne.
Many homes in post-war estates like those in Arbury or Cherry Hinton contain this form of asbestos, especially in older garages and ceiling coatings.
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
Stronger and more rigid than chrysotile. Much more dangerous.
Where is it found?
- Thermal insulation boards (AIBs)
- Soffits, fascia boards, and guttering
- Partition walls
- Fire doors
- Ceiling tiles
Why was it used?
Its excellent thermal insulation made it popular for fireproofing and soundproofing.
Is it dangerous?
Extremely. Amosite is classified as a high-risk material. Its fibres are sharp and more likely to lodge in the lungs.
You’re more likely to find this type in houses built or renovated in the 1960s and 1970s—including many homes in Cambridge’s suburban developments like King’s Hedges or Trumpington.
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
The most hazardous form.
Where is it found?
- High-pressure pipe insulation
- Boiler lagging
- Spray-on insulation
Why was it used?
It has the highest resistance to chemical and thermal degradation.
Is it dangerous?
Yes. Crocidolite fibres are extremely fine and easily inhaled.
Less commonly found in homes, but still present in some older properties and industrial buildings converted to flats. For example, some converted factories near Mill Road and Newmarket Road may have contained it.
Common Places Asbestos May Be Hiding in Your Home
You might think asbestos is only in old attic insulation or ceiling tiles. The truth is, it could be in more places than you expect.
Ask yourself:
Have you ever drilled into a wall without knowing what’s behind it?
Replaced old floor tiles without testing for asbestos first?
Here are some less obvious asbestos hotspots in Cambridge homes:
- Behind fuse boxes: Insulating boards
- Old airing cupboards: Panel linings
- Water tanks: Often coated with chrysotile
- Window putty: May contain asbestos to increase durability
- Bitumen roofing felt: Particularly on garden outbuildings
Why This Matters Now
Many homeowners unknowingly expose themselves when renovating.
Cutting into an asbestos panel. Sanding a textured ceiling. Removing floor tiles.
These actions disturb the material, releasing fibres.
A 2022 report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that over 5,000 deaths in the UK each year are linked to asbestos exposure.
Cambridge is no exception. The city’s high rate of older housing increases the risk.
What Should You Do?
Think you might have asbestos in your home?
Don’t panic. But don’t ignore it either.
Steps to Take:
- Don’t disturb it: Leave it alone unless it’s damaged or likely to be disturbed.
- Hire a licensed surveyor: They can test samples safely.
- Get a management plan: Especially if you plan to do renovation work.
- Use a licensed asbestos removal contractor: Always follow legal guidelines, local Cambridge asbestos contractors such as Asbestos Cambridge can help.
Never try to remove asbestos yourself. DIY removal is both illegal and dangerous in many cases.
Final Thought: Is It Time to Check Your Home?
Have you ever had your home surveyed for asbestos?
Do you know what materials were used during construction or past renovations?
If not, now is the time.
Identifying the type of asbestos is critical. It affects how dangerous it is, how it should be managed, and how much it might cost to remove.
The peace of mind alone is worth the effort.
Stay informed. Stay safe.
Cambridge homes hold centuries of history. Don’t let hidden asbestos turn that legacy into a health hazard.
