Asbestos Sampling, a specialist firm, has disclosed data from an analysis of 5,338 asbestos samples collected in 2023. The findings show that homes in the East of England has the highest occurrence of asbestos in homes compared to other UK regions.
The data revealed that 38% of samples from the East of England contained asbestos, significantly higher than the UK average of 30%. The regions following closely were the South East and South West, both at 36%, and Wales at 34%. In contrast, Northern Ireland had the lowest rates, with only 13% of samples testing positive. The East Midlands was also lower than average, with 21% of samples containing asbestos.
The analysis covered a variety of materials, including Artex, cement pipes, cement roofing, and floor tiles. Cement roofing was notably the most likely to test positive for asbestos, at 64%. Cement pipes and floor tiles also showed high positivity rates at 57% and 43% respectively. Insulation was found to be the least affected material, with only 2% of samples 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, remarked:
“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”
To read the full report, visit https://www.asbestos-sampling.com/blogs/articles/asbestos-testing-insights-2023.
