How much of a problem is Asbestos really?

On my newly inherited allotment plot, there are 3 small corrugated sheets of what me and my dad think is asbestos. It looks like similar stuff is being used on constructions on nearby plots.

How much of a problem is it really (or not) to be used? I have two young kids (5&3) that will be coming up the plot with me a fair bit, so just don't want to put them at risk if there is potential risk from it? I am fairly hopeful council will take it for me as i've not signed for my plot yet, but am i looking a gift horse in the mouth by getting rid of it?

As I already wrote on your other post, corrugated white asbestos is relatively safe.

If it is undisturbed and not broken up then you don't need to worry.  If it is broken up, then it needs to be disposed of at some point; but it is not the type which requires asbestos suits etc.  We are simply advised to double bag it and it can then go to the tip.

Yes, I would get rid of it, but I wouldn't let it stop me either taking the plot or letting my children come down to it.  Just don't let them actually play with it.

The word asbestos covers a multitude of types.

Whilst it is wet and without breaking it up wrap it in polythene sheet and tape it up. Get onto council and see if they have an authorised disposal point for it. It is probably asbestos cement sheet which is about 4% asbestos fibre bonded into a cement matrix so much safer than other forms or products that asbestos occurs in. However it is wrong to say there is no risk - get rid if you can using the approved routes for disposal. There are still hundreds of asbestos cement sheds and garages around but once you are rid you will have no doubts.
R

They shouldn't have left it there for you without testing it first. I agree it's quite safe on a damp day to take the sheets down carefully and double wrap them check which of your local recycling centres take it they will probably charge which is why I would be more inclined to get them to remove it.

Thanks for everyone's replies. The council have looked at it, confirmed its asbestos, and agreed to take it away at no cost to me so I'm a happy bunny

It's good that the council are disposing of it for you. Whilst it creates no great risk (as others have said) you may have found it difficult to dispose of at a local council amenity tip.


Grey and paticularly blue asbestos are the types that cause the most concern and potential harm... so there's far less risk with the type that was used for sheet roofing unless you work with it over a period of time and inhale the dust.