§ 29. Ms. Clare Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice his Department gives about the potential health hazards of asbestos cement tiles.
§ Mr. GowAdvice on asbestos cement tiles is given in the Department's booklet "Asbestos materials in buildings" published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Asbestos cement products used externally will weather slowly but the rate of fibre release is so low that it presents no significant hazard. Asbestos dust can be released when working with asbestos cement and the guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive should be followed.