Despite tighter regulations and increased awareness, asbestos remains one of the most common hidden risks in UK properties, particularly those built or refurbished before the year 2000. At AIB, we continue to encounter asbestos regularly across domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings.
As we move into 2026, many property owners assume asbestos is a thing of the past. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth.
So the question is: is asbestos still a real risk in 2026?
The short answer is yes — and in many cases, it’s a risk people don’t realise they have.
Asbestos was widely used in the UK for decades due to its durability, insulation properties, and fire resistance. It was only fully banned in 1999, meaning millions of buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) today.
These materials don’t simply disappear over time. In fact, asbestos often becomes more dangerous as buildings age, materials degrade, or renovation work disturbs hidden areas.
Common reasons asbestos is still being found include:
If your property falls into any of the categories below, asbestos should always be considered:
In commercial settings, asbestos isn’t just a health risk — it’s also a legal responsibility for duty holders.
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
While asbestos is generally lower risk when sealed and undamaged, any disturbance can release harmful fibres into the air. Even small works such as drilling, sanding, removing ceilings, or replacing flooring can pose serious risks if asbestos is present.
Long-term exposure to asbestos fibres is linked to severe illnesses, including:
These diseases often take decades to develop, which is why asbestos remains a major health concern today.
Not every situation requires immediate removal — but testing is always the first step.
At AIB, we help property owners understand what’s necessary — and what isn’t — avoiding unnecessary disruption while keeping people safe.
If you own or manage a commercial property, you have a legal duty to:
Failing to manage asbestos correctly can lead to:
Domestic homeowners also have a responsibility to ensure asbestos is handled safely during renovations or sales.
In 2026, asbestos is still very much a real issue — but it’s also completely manageable when dealt with correctly.
If your property was built before 2000, or you’re planning renovation, refurbishment, or maintenance works, the safest approach is simple:
Don’t guess. Get it checked.
At AIB, we provide professional asbestos testing, surveys, and removal services across domestic and commercial properties. Our team is experienced, compliant, and focused on keeping people safe — without unnecessary alarm or disruption.
👉 Contact us today for advice or to arrange asbestos testing.
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Respectful & Mindful - Our goal is not only to remove hazardous materials but to foster a safer, healthier environment through respectful and mindful practices.
Reliable & Safe - Safety is at the core of what we do - always prioritising the health and safety of our clients, employees, the public and the environment.
Professional & Quality - We strive to keep exceeding expectations every day, with every client we work with, always working above standards and to the highest quality.
From our centrally based location in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire; we have helped thousands of customers throughout the UK including Manchester to solve their asbestos removal and management problems with our fast, efficient and professional service since 2003.
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