What is asbestos? – Asbestos in the home – Newham Council
Source: https://www.newham.gov.uk/public-health-safety/asbestos-home/1
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
What is asbestos? – Asbestos in the home – Newham Council
Asbestos in the home
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral. It was used to insulate buildings and protect them from fire. It was also used as a building material from the 1930s to the mid-1980s.
How is asbestos harmful?
Asbestos is made up of tiny fibres which you can breathe in or swallow. These fibres can cause several serious and fatal diseases, including:
Asbestosis
Mesothelioma
Lung and other cancers.
Websites you might find useful
NHS pages on Asbestosis
NHS pages on Mesothelioma
NHS pages on Lung and other cancers
Health and Safety Executive - find a contractor
UK Accreditation Service - find a contractor
Asbestos Removal Contractors
HealHealth and Safety Executive - asbestos guides
Contact the Asbestos Audit Team
Contact us by email: PP-Asbestos@newham.gov.uk or phone 020 3373 9883 or 9884.
Email:
PP-Asbestos@newham.gov.uk
Asbestos in the home
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral. It was used to insulate buildings and protect them from fire. It was also used as a building material from the 1930s to the mid-1980s.
How is asbestos harmful?
Asbestos is made up of tiny fibres which you can breathe in or swallow. These fibres can cause several serious and fatal diseases, including:
Asbestosis
Mesothelioma
Lung and other cancers.
Websites you might find useful
NHS pages on Asbestosis
NHS pages on Mesothelioma
NHS pages on Lung and other cancers
Health and Safety Executive - find a contractor
UK Accreditation Service - find a contractor
Asbestos Removal Contractors
HealHealth and Safety Executive - asbestos guides
Contact the Asbestos Audit Team
Contact us by email: PP-Asbestos@newham.gov.uk or phone 020 3373 9883 or 9884.
Email:
PP-Asbestos@newham.gov.uk