Asbestos risk after a fire

Health risks from fires with asbestos

Please be reassured that the risks to health are low and there is unlikely to be any significant exposure to asbestos following fires involving materials containing asbestos. 

There is no direct evidence of long-term health risks from fires involving asbestos containing materials, but it is sensible that any asbestos containing debris is removed to minimise any potential exposure.

Fires will often result in a large smoke plume. If anybody comes into contact with the smoke plume this may cause breathing difficulties, watery eyes, coughing and a sore throat. Individuals with asthma may experience some worsening of their condition. Anybody experiencing these symptoms should recover shortly after the exposure and there are unlikely to be any long-term health implications.

During fires, asbestos containing material from a building may be released in the smoke plume. In older buildings asbestos was often used as a component of building materials, such as roofing panels, installation board and floor tiles. The majority of asbestos fibres are held tightly within the asbestos containing material and are trapped within the cement.

During the fires often visible fragments of asbestos containing material can be carried in the smoke plume, unlikely to be further than 50 – 60 metres from the fire site, and may be deposited on nearby properties, gardens and streets. As the majority of asbestos fibres are held tightly within the asbestos containing material they are not released into the air and this minimises the health risk.

You may also find that you have an amount of dust and soot on your property, this is unlikely to contain any asbestos. We will not be involved in this type of clean up and you are advised to wash surfaces in the normal way using plenty of soap and water.

If you find debris (such as corrugated roofing, drainpipes or sheets) from a fire involving asbestos containing material on your property or elsewhere you are advised to leave it alone and contact 01285 623000 for advice. If you find such material, you should avoid disturbing the material.  As an example, do not mow the lawn until it has been cleared up and removed. If it is absolutely necessary to move or remove debris yourself (for example, from a car windscreen) first damp down the debris using water and gently flush away small particles to the drain, wearing protective gloves to prevent scratches. Do not sweep up or vacuum debris as this could create airborne dust.

If you experience any symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, watery eyes or cough following the fire contact your GP or NHS 111.