Asbestos Sampling has recently disclosed findings from its analysis of 5,338 asbestos samples collected during 2023. These samples were obtained from residential areas using the firm’s testing kits, with homes in the East of England recording the highest frequency of asbestos presence.
In this region, 38% of samples were found to contain asbestos, which is significantly higher than the national average of 30%. This was followed by the South East and South West at 36%, and Wales at 34%. On the other end of the scale, Northern Ireland had the lowest occurrence, with just 13% of samples testing positive, and the East Midlands saw 21% positivity.
The samples were sourced from various building materials, including Artex, cement pipes, cement roofing, and floor tiles. Notably, cement roofing samples had the highest asbestos presence, with 64% testing positive. Asbestos was found in 57% of cement pipe samples and 43% of floor tile samples. Interestingly, insulation samples showed minimal asbestos content, with only 2% testing positive.
Stephen Roche, Co-founder of Asbestos Sampling, commented:
“Our analysis of materials tested for asbestos during 2023 shows significant regional variations, with the East of England emerging as the region most likely to have asbestos present. That said, asbestos remains a concern for the health of individuals up and down the UK, serving as a stark reminder of the need to be vigilant for its presence. We would encourage anyone due to undertake work on a property which could contain asbestos to get an asbestos survey carried out before that work commences.”
Tom Yates, Co-founder, also noted:
“We are unsure of the reason behind the regional variations. The data being presented in our findings is restricted to samples submitted to us and may not be an accurate representation of the whole industry. As such, assumptions should never be made with materials which could contain asbestos, regardless of which region they are found – Always have suspect materials tested before working on them”
For detailed insights, access the report at https://www.asbestos-sampling.com/blogs/articles/asbestos-testing-insights-2023.
