Each year more than 4,000 people die in this country form asbestos and asbestos related diseases, that makes it the the greatest single cause of work related death in the UK. The scary thing is that by the year 2020 this figure is set to rise to over 10,000 deaths every year. Everyone has heard of asbestos but would you know what it looks like? Many people just think that asbestos is that white 'stuff' that is found in some roofs and electrical boxes.

There are three main types of asbestos that we use, Crocidolite or blue asbestos, Amosite or Brown asbestos and Chrysotile which is the white asbestos. Brown and Blue asbestos are known to be more dangerous than white asbestos although you cannot distinguish these types of asbestos by their colour alone this is because asbestos will change colour depending in which way it is treated or which materials that it is mixed with. During the mid 20th century asbestos was used extensively in building, shipbuilding and the car industries due to its fire retardant and sound proofing properties.

Over the last few years scientists and doctors have now realised the extreme dangers of this material and have been warning people about its deadly properties. If you suspect that asbestos is present either in you workplace, home or even garden shed Do Not Disturb It, as asbestos is harmless when not disturbed it's most dangerous when it's broken up and the fibers/dust is airborne.

Asbestos or the 'Hidden Killer' will claim the lives of 4 Plumbers, 6 electricians, 8 joiners and 20 tradesmen on average every week, don't become just another statistic - think safety.