Waste Information

Asbestos

Asbestos has been known and used for over 4,000 years; its commercial development began in the late 19th century.

Asbestos occurs freely in various parts of the world and is obtained by mining or quarrying. Asbestos is a fibrous form of hydrated magnesium silicate and of the five which occur, the 3 main industrial types are commonly known as Chrysotile (white), Amosite (brown) and Crocidolite (blue).

Under the UK law the use of Crocidolite and Amosite was prohibited in the manufacture of new products in 1985 as a result of the introduction of the Asbestos (Prohibition) Regulations 1985.

The 1985 regulations where replaced with Statutory Instrument 1992 No 3067 which came into force from 1st January 1993.

In 1995 the importation of Asbestos was banned primarily relating to products used in construction.

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

PCBs are manmade and part of a family of organochlorine chemicals that are chemically stable, fire resistant and do not generate vapours easily. They are practically insoluble in water, but are soluble in oils and fats.

PCBs were used extensively as insulators in electrical equipment such as transformers and capacitors manufactured between 1976 and 1986.

PCBs have also been used as plasticisers, sealants, gaskets, etc.

PCBs are not considered to be acutely toxic to humans (Environment Agency Guidance Notes on Disposal of PCBs and Dangerous Substances 2000), however, they can cause a skin condition called Chlorance and can also cause harm to animals by damaging their liver and reducing their levels of immunity. According to the UK Environment Agency Guidance there is inadequate evidence to suggest that PCBs cause anything other than Chlorance.

PCBs come in two types of applications:-