Contact your local council for advice.

There is a lot of hype spoken about asbestos. Some companies use 'scare tactics' to inflate the cost of removal so be warned. There are also cement based products that look like asbestos but aren't so make sure you know what you're dealing with.

I suggest that you phone your local recycling centre and see if they have provision for taking in asbestos or, failing that, telephone your local skip hire (Amber Skips, Ackworth Road, Hilsea, 023 9266 8844 or similar) and ask if they can provide a skip for asbestos. They usually stick £50 on top of the normal price as soon as you mention asbestos!

Find out, from the council, what restrictions there are for handling asbestos in your area and decide on whether you are able to do it yourself, get a builder in or get a specialised firm in.

Basically there are three types of asbestos:

Chrysotile (white asbestos): A white curly fiber, chrysotile accounts for 90% of asbestos in products and is a member of the serpentine group. It is a magnesium silicate.

Amosite: Brown or gray, straight amosite fibers belong in the amphibole group, and contain iron and magnesium.

Crocidolite (Riebeckite): A member of the amphibole group, crocidolite takes the form of blue, straight fibers. It is a sodium iron magnesium silicate.

STAY WELL CLEAR OF THE LAST TWO.

Most garages/sheds are made from Chrysotile which comes from the serpentine group, whereas the other fibre types, tremolite, amosite, crocidolite, actinolite and anthophyllite, are part of the amphiboles group.
All these fibres are non-flammable.

The major difference between chrysotile and amphiboles is related to its chemical composition, its acid-resistant properties and its effects on health.
In contrast with amphiboles, Chrysotile does not persist in the lungs after inhalation; it is quickly eliminated by the body.
A prolonged exposure to high concentrations of chrysotile fibres is required for a clinical manifestation of pulmonary damage to appear.

In the past, such high exposures were frequent; it is no longer the case today. On the other hand, because of their toxicity and their high biopersistence, amphiboles are mainly responsible for mesothelioma and pulmonary deceases even caused after a short or moderate exposure. Today, chrysotile is the only asbestos fibre commercialized



In Hampshire, all local authorities work together in a unique partnership designed to increase the amount of waste that we recycle.

The partnership is known as 'Project Integra'.

Hampshire County Council is a key member of the partnership, as it is the designated 'Waste Disposal Authority' for the county (except Southampton and Portsmouth).
A number of useful leaflets are also available. To see them, either view them as PDFs using the links below, or e-mail waste.management@hants.gov.uk for a printed copy.

you are best advised to consult professional people who are licensed to remove asbestos.

dont attempt it yourself for if you do it improperly asbestos dust might linger in the air, and this will increase your chances of lung cancer