Asbestos

Advice on a wide range of environmental problems such as: asbestos, private water supplies and contaminated land.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, which was used as a building material from the 1950's through to the 1980's. This was due to its many useful properties including resistance to fire and heat.

If left undisturbed asbestos poses no real problems. However, take care to prevent the release of fibres, as they can cause serious damage to your health.

How can I dispose of household asbestos?

Stroud District Council does not provide a disposal service for asbestos. 

For advice on Gloucestershire County Council's service in respect of asbestos waste, please visit

• www.gloucestershirerecycles.com/household-recycling-centres-hrcs/asbestos/

Removal advice

If the asbestos cement product is:

• in good condition;
• is not likely to be damaged; and
• is not likely to be worked on

then it may be safe to leave it where it is, otherwise you will need to ask for advice.

You shouldn't remove asbestos-containing material yourself - it is a dangerous operation which can result in the release of asbestos fibres into the air. Breathing in these fibres can eventually lead to a number of fatal diseases. We recommend that you employ a professional, licensed contractor to remove asbestos. Please go to the following website for further information:www.arca.org.uk

Where can I find further information regarding asbestos?

The Health and Safety Executive produce a number of free leaflets regarding asbestos. www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/