Head Office: Braintree - 01376 326 662 Regional Offices: Colchester, Ipswich/Suffolk, Cambridge Bishop Stortford, Southend, Chelmsford, London Asbestos Facts 2,000 and 3,000 people are dying from asbestos-related cancers every year as a result of being exposed to asbestos fibres. This figure is expected to rise to 10,000 per year by the end of the decade.   Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral fibre. It is mined in countries such as, Russia, South America, Canada, India and South Africa.   There are three common types of asbestos fibres in the UK Crocidolite (Blue) Amosite (Brown) Chrysotile (White) These are associated with two groups of fibres Serpentine - Chrysotile Amphibole - Amosite & Crocidolite     Over 3000 products were manufactured in the UK using asbestos Since 24th November 1999, all new use of asbestos was prohibited   Official UK bans regarding asbestos 1985 - Importation of Crocidolite & Amosite 1985 - The supply of Crocidolite & Amosite and any products containing them 1985 - Spraying or installation of insulation containing any type of asbestos 1992 - Importation and use of any form of Amphibole fibre 1992 - Certain uses of Chrysotile asbestos 1999 - The importation, supply and use of Chrysotile and products containing Chrysotile 1999 - Sale of second-hand asbestos cement sheets and boards covered with paint or plaster containing Chrysotile.