To be hugely concerned about cancer because of this asbestos ?

[Gawal]

We have asbestos between our roof and the roof tiles. I’m not sure the exact name but they’re basically like slates of asbestos fixed in, in a dark grey colour, almost look like metal. We had a survey done and were told these were no issue unless when it comes to removal, in which case needs to have specialists to do it. We were also told there were 6-7 good years left in them. However, I can see that in the high winds a bit has come off from one corner of a tile. I only noticed as a tree had fallen slightly and I was looking up. I can’t find the piece that’s come off but now I’m very worried that this is problematic. I have young dc and feel sick thinking we are exposing them.

I'm not sure what you mean by between the roof and the tiles? But please don't worry.

Is the piece that's broken outdoors? Even if it's indoors and in the loft, presumably your children don't go in the loft?

If they're asbestos slates they're a material that the fibres are very firmly bonded into - even if one breaks it's got a very low amount of dust that's released. On top of that the asbestos content is only going to be about 10%, and chances ar it's Chrysotile which is the least dangerous type.

If it's outside the chances of the tiny bit of dust floating around and finding its way to your children is realistically 0.

@GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut thanks that is reassuring. I can’t find the piece anywhere but it seems like a tiny bit from looking at the tile from below.

If you don't touch it or live directly alongside it then it's true it shouldn't be dangerous.
The survey was accurate. I think if you need it removed you might need to leave the house for a period of time, but I'm not sure?

My DH is a solicitor specializing in asbestos related diseases. He says just have it professionally removed. Don't worry too much about the broken bit, he'd be more concerned about potential fibres being released daily.

@OneWaryCat thanks. Does he think they are being released daily now? I thought when fixed in place they were ok

It's a nasty, nasty disease, I know.

Would you mind asking your DH as I'm interested to know about this?

It's become such a big issue for home surveys etc. in the last few years and yet I'm wondering if this is really such a big problem in domestic settings or if most of those affected worked in certain jobs?

Also, how would anyone know the true reason somebody came to suffer from asbestos as it could have blown in from anywhere? Surely it would be very hard to prove?

I've worked in loads of crumbling council buildings in my time and I live near an industrial estate so there must be all sorts of unknown substances breezing through my windows!

I wouldn't worry about it. There's literally asbestos everywhere. Most schools have it as do most offices houses etc. There are different types amd generally it isn't a problem. Just follow.the advice on your survey. If it is a roof tile outside there is no chance of you getting cancer from it as long as you don't go up there and start disturbing it.

His clients are mainly people who worked with asbestos but he has had cases of people being nearby/in buildings with it - such as teachers in old school classrooms. Yes it could come 'from anywhere' but it's his job to prove that the likelihood is that is came from X, which is how he wins his cases.

@Gawal He says people usually say if left undisturbed it's fine but ultimately all buildings move and release dust etc. They will only be tiny tiny fibres, but still, better to get removed.

Our house has asbestos ceilings and we have them all professionally removed before we moved in, and then floor tiles tested, and the garage roof removed.

He is very very cautious about asbestos for obvious reasons because he has seen the horrible consequences, but as I said, this mainly people who have repeatedly worked with asbestos directly.

Thanks for the detailed response 👍

Don’t sand down the rough edge.

The problem with asbestos is breathing in the particles. If you’re not in that situation then there no concerns.

There is also a huge difference between the asbestos used for roofing and the really dangerous blue asbestos. Our local council tip will accept roofing asbestos as long as it's bagged.

it's the blue stuff used in industrial insulation and the raw powdery stuff.

contact a specialist company who can deal with it. As long as you are not creating dust by drilling or sanding it you will be fine