November 23rd, 2006

A female tenant with a UK housing association has had her mind put at ease after asbestos testing was carried out at her rented property and officials confirmed that her health was not in danger. The woman, 56-year-old Jacqueline Cahill, was concerned about the fascia boards at the front of her bungalow, as she thought they may contain asbestos, which is a deadly carcinogenic.

The woman stated: “Every time you open or close the door you think ‘that’s a little bit of dust that just knocked on me’. I wouldn’t put myself anywhere where there was asbestos on purpose.” However, Ms Cahill added that she was now reassured that there was no danger after experts carried out testing to ensure that there was no significant risk.

One Housing Association official stated: “A surveyor was sent to the property as a matter of urgency to investigate the concerns raised by the tenant. Having visited the property a professional report was commissioned which has identified the substance presence in the soffit board of a low level of chrysotile asbestos which should not present any significant risk to public health or the environment.”

He added: “The results of the report have been sent to the tenant, and we would like to reassure our customers that we are committed to their welfare.”