Asbestos in Construction

Asbestos and the Construction Industry in the UK Historical Use of Asbestos in UK Construction Asbestos was widely used in the UK construction industry from the 1950s to the late 1970s, prized for its fire-resistant properties, durability, and insulating capabilities. It found applications in various building materials, including roofing sheets, pipe insulation, floor tiles, and spray coatings for fire protection. The mineral's versatility made it a popular choice for both residential and commercial construction projects. Notable buildings such as schools, hospitals, and government offices incorporated asbestos-containing materials extensively. The peak of asbestos use coincided with the post-war building boom, where its properties aligned perfectly with the rapid construction needs of the time. However, as health concerns began to emerge in the 1970s, its use gradually declined. The UK banned the use of blue and brown asbestos in 1985, with white asbestos finally prohibited in 1