Specialist firm Asbestos Sampling has released data from an extensive study involving 5,338 samples collected in 2023, showing significant regional disparities in asbestos contamination across the UK. The study highlights homes in the East of England as the region with the highest likelihood of asbestos presence in homes, with 38% of samples testing positive—surpassing the national average of 30%. The South East and South West both reported a 36% positivity rate, closely followed by Wales at 34%.
In stark contrast, Northern Ireland demonstrated the lowest risk, with only 13% of samples indicating asbestos. The East Midlands showed a positivity rate of 21%.
The analysed samples, sourced from various building materials including Artex, cement pipes, cement roofing, and floor tiles, revealed that cement roofing was particularly prone to asbestos, with a 64% positivity rate. Only 2% of insulation samples tested positive, making it the least affected material.
Stephen Roche, Co-founder of Asbestos Sampling, shared his insights on the findings: “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, further commented: “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 learn more about the study, visit https://www.asbestos-sampling.com/blogs/articles/asbestos-testing-insights-2023.
