New Study Highlights Asbestos Prevalence in UK Regions
A recent study conducted by Asbestos Sampling has unveiled the varying levels of asbestos presence across the UK. The analysis was based on 5,338 samples collected throughout 2023 using the firm’s testing kits. Notably, the homes in the East of England exhibited the highest incidence of asbestos, with 38% of samples from the area testing positive, which is higher than the UK average of 30%. This was followed by the South East and South West, both at 36%, and Wales at 34%.
Conversely, Northern Ireland showed the lowest likelihood of asbestos presence in homes, with only 13% of samples testing positive. The East Midlands also had a lower rate, with 21% of samples containing asbestos.
The samples were taken from various materials, including Artex, cement pipes, cement roofing, and floor tiles. Among these, cement roofing materials were most frequently found to contain asbestos, with a 64% positivity rate. Meanwhile, only 2% of the insulation samples tested were found to contain asbestos, the lowest rate among the materials tested.
Stephen Roche, co-founder of Asbestos Sampling, commented 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, also a co-founder, added: “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 more information, visit https://www.asbestos-sampling.com/blogs/articles/asbestos-testing-insights-2023.