Deadly dust found

Published 3 Mar 2010 14:53 22 Comments

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By Ewan McInnes

DEADLY asbestos could be lingering in the homes of unsuspecting residents, it has been warned.

Now shocked Andrea Reid, who has just been told her ceilings and walls are riddled with the killer substance, wants to warn homeowners and tenants.

Last year, Andrea's home of 22-years in Glen Roy Drive, Neilston, was damaged by flooding and she was forced to move out altogether when the damage assessors told of the asbestos in her property.

The 43-year-old has been living in hotels as her house is inhabitable and she has encouraged her neighbours to get their homes checked out.

She said: "The whole estate will be the same as the buildings are all the same and probably built by the same company.

"My whole life has been wrecked and it has been so stressful.

"I hope people will read about this and get their homes looked at. Even though it is a major hassle getting the asbestos removed, it is better than risking your life.

"The rate of cancer is sky high in Neilston and I don't know if I have maybe come across the answer for that."

Andrea and her seven show dogs, who are being cared for at kennels, will be unable to move back into their home, pictured right, for another month.

And she has told the Barrhead News of the problems this has caused.

She said: "This has been a complete nightmare.

"It is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my whole life.

"I have lost all my possessions and my house has been wrecked.

"I feel as if I have lost my home as I have been out of it since November and I don't know when I will get back in.

"My insurance company is paying for me to stay in hotels but I don't drive, so communicating to Neilston has been a major hassle.

"They put humidifiers in my house that take all the moisture out the air in the house.

"This affected me badly and I had to spend a night in hospital because I was dehydrated and had chest pains."

A spokesman for Andrea's insurers, MMA, said: "Before we can do the work we have to let the dampness fully dry before the damage can be assessed.

"We won't be able to get the equipment in to do that until March 12.

"We are dealing with the claim as quickly as we can but we do appreciate it is not great for our customer."

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said any residents in Barrhead and Neilston who fear asbestos is in their home can contact their Customer First helpline on 0141 577 3001.

This article appeared in Barrhead News 03 Mar 10

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

donny
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Mar 3, 16:01
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are you serious? This could affect every home in the street. I hope there's someone looking into this because there's kids and old people and all sorts living in these houses. It could be really dangerous.

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andrea reid
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Mar 3, 19:34
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This is Andrea the owner of this house and yes it is indeed serious, it was found in a simple test on a damaged ceiling, the ceilings are covered in Artex and this is where the asbestos was found,so far three have been removed, another to be removed next week, Find out more about asbestos in Artex by searching the internet.My home should get fixed and all asbestos removed soon as its dry.

This incident will cost me a lot of money as the insurance does not cover rooms not affected by the flood water, my whole house will have been affected by asbestos dust particles circulating through the air by fans put in by the flood disaster team in the dry out period that the humidifiers were in. If your home has artex , search google.

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charlie wood
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Mar 3, 19:46
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I know Andrea personally and the effect all this hassle has on her health is just unbelievable.The insurance company have just been using delaying tactics all the time.This whole claim should have been given urgent attention and not been left dragging on for near enough 4 months.Hope others get their houses checked as this could be a time bomb just waiting to explode

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ang
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Mar 3, 20:01
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this has caused andrea a lot of stress it has took andreas misfortune to find out that these houses have asbestos things should have been done sooner wuld have like to have seen the insurers trying to live out a hotel for over 4 months bet if it was them things would have been done a lot sooner dont see why they have to wait til dry out house why not take the ceilings down first then dry out the house wuld have been lot faster but usual paperwork and labour dont go together ..

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drew
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Mar 8, 13:38
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I bet it's caused this woman a lot of stress. Who wants to be living in a house that's so dangerous? I don't know who's responsibility this is, but it's time it was sorted out. No one deserves to be shunted around like this. The council have given a helpline number - they should be out checking people's homes, or at least offering decent advice.

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******
Mar 8, 17:23
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Rob
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Mar 8, 18:59
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Few issues I have with this story, although first I'd like to make it clear I sympathise with Andrea, and hope that this is resolved quickly.

1. Asbestos has legally been used in the construction industry until 2000.

2. It is contained in many building materials and was originally used due to it's fire prevention ability.

3. There is no immediate risk associated with the presence of asbestos containing materials as long as they are sound and undisturbed.

4. It is only a 'killer substance' and 'deadly' if people are exposed to it - see point 3.

5. This is article could have been better worded with a background on the relevant regulations.

If people really want to know what to do with asbestos in their house, they need to contact the HSE using their Infoline on 0845 345 0055.

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******
Mar 8, 19:03
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Rob
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Mar 8, 19:53
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Few issues I have with this story, although first I'd like to make it clear I sympathise with Andrea, and hope that this is resolved quickly.

1. Asbestos has legally been used in the construction industry until 2000.

2. It is contained in many building materials and was originally used due to it's fire prevention ability.

3. There is no immediate risk associated with the presence of asbestos containing materials as long as they are sound and undisturbed.

4. It is only a 'killer substance' and 'deadly' if people are exposed to it - see point 3.

5. This is article could have been better worded with a background on the relevant regulations.

If people really want to know what to do with asbestos in their house, they need to contact the HSE using their Infoline on 0845 345 0055.

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Jen
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Mar 9, 11:12
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I lived in a flat in Glasgow a few years ago. I was told by the council it had asbestos in the walls and I was not to do any DIY into it. It should be fine if it isn't disturbed. Poor Andrea though - the flooding has disturbed the asbestos. I hope she finds a new home soon or her one is fixed.

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ro
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Mar 9, 17:27
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acording to the story the aspestos HAS been disturbed and therefor is dangerous. and if this is the case then all the other homes in the bovis will be in the same position should an event such as a flood happen to them. i hope the council check out the whole bovis housing estate. ro

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Rob
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Mar 9, 20:09
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@rornNo one is disputing the fact the asbestos in this case is a problem due to an accident - but...according to you, the council therefore have a responsibility to inspect all housing the UK over in case something similar was to happen? Sorry, but that isn't the case - responsibility for the houses is up to the homeowner/landlord.

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will fleming
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Mar 13, 21:03
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THIS STREET AND GLENSHEE MUST HAVE THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CANCER VICTIMS, IF IT AIN'T ASBESTOS ITS THOSE PYLONS. WHY IS NOBODY DOING ANYTHING TO HELP? I DON'T UNDERSTAND I LIVED IN GLEN SHEE FOR A FEW YEARS, THE FAMILY'S SON I LIVED WITH TOOK CANCER AND IS STILL BATTLING HE IS NOW 16. GET YOUR FINGER OUT AND GET THIS SORTED ASAP...BEFORE WE SEE MORE UNNECCESARRY ILLNESS'S AND DEATHS. THANKS

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andrea reid
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Mar 17, 11:09
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This is Andrea, with a message to Rob,

Asbestos WAS used, the word was should have been your wording, this was common knowledge in the building and construction industry, its only when you investigate it on the internet or librarys that non building folks can find this out, there was no " DID YOU KNOW ASBESTOS WAS IN ARTEX HEADLINES"

If asbestos wasnt dangerous then why was a spec*alist team sent to my home dressed from head to foot in protective clothing and masks , the neighbours thought there was a murder as was like a scene from csi miami.

My ceiling was disturbed and fans and humidifiers were circulating air around this area, in my view the ceiling should have been removed before fans and humidifiers were in that area, the insurance are paying out for a ceiling and wallpaper but im left to foot the bill for the rest of the kitchen. Would you keep a cooker and cupboards that were exposed to dust particles?

Im in a dispute with them with regards to the kitchen but as they were not affected by actual running water from the flood it seems I need to pay.

This is now a legal matter, and this will be my last posting but lets hope the folks of Neilston get there ceilings tested as I got the shock of my life when mine tested positive, How many of the locals have sanded off the artex? How many didnt know that they most likely had asbestos in there homes.How many have had a flood and repaired the homes themselves.

Since the barrhead news printed this story, many other media have taken interest in the story and it looks like my home will be asbestos free and habital soon, thank you Barrhead news.

This has been the worst experience of my life, but thank to the barrhead news and other media I will be home soon

without predujice

Andrea Reid

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andrea reid
Unregistered User
Mar 17, 11:36
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This is Andrea, with a message to Rob,

Asbestos WAS used, the word was should have been your wording, this was common knowledge in the building and construction industry, its only when you investigate it on the internet or librarys that non building folks can find this out, there was no " DID YOU KNOW ASBESTOS WAS IN ARTEX HEADLINES"

If asbestos wasnt dangerous then why was a spec*alist team sent to my home dressed from head to foot in protective clothing and masks , the neighbours thought there was a murder as was like a scene from csi miami.

My ceiling was disturbed and fans and humidifiers were circulating air around this area, in my view the ceiling should have been removed before fans and humidifiers were in that area, the insurance are paying out for a ceiling and wallpaper but im left to foot the bill for the rest of the kitchen. Would you keep a cooker and cupboards that were exposed to dust particles?

Im in a dispute with them with regards to the kitchen but as they were not affected by actual running water from the flood it seems I need to pay.

This is now a legal matter, and this will be my last posting but lets hope the folks of Neilston get there ceilings tested as I got the shock of my life when mine tested positive, How many of the locals have sanded off the artex? How many didnt know that they most likely had asbestos in there homes.How many have had a flood and repaired the homes themselves.

Since the barrhead news printed this story, many other media have taken interest in the story and it looks like my home will be asbestos free and habital soon, thank you Barrhead news.

This has been the worst experience of my life, but thank to the barrhead news and other media I will be home soon

without predujice

Andrea Reid

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andrea reid
Unregistered User
Mar 17, 11:43
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This is Andrea, with a message to Rob,

Asbestos WAS used, the word was should have been your wording, this was common knowledge in the building and construction industry, its only when you investigate it on the internet or librarys that non building folks can find this out, there was no " DID YOU KNOW ASBESTOS WAS IN ARTEX HEADLINES"

If asbestos wasnt dangerous then why was a spec*alist team sent to my home dressed from head to foot in protective clothing and masks , the neighbours thought there was a murder as was like a scene from csi miami.

My ceiling was disturbed and fans and humidifiers were circulating air around this area, in my view the ceiling should have been removed before fans and humidifiers were in that area, the insurance are paying out for a ceiling and wallpaper but im left to foot the bill for the rest of the kitchen. Would you keep a cooker and cupboards that were exposed to dust particles?

Im in a dispute with them with regards to the kitchen but as they were not affected by actual running water from the flood it seems I need to pay.

This is now a legal matter, and this will be my last posting but lets hope the folks of Neilston get there ceilings tested as I got the shock of my life when mine tested positive, How many of the locals have sanded off the artex? How many didnt know that they most likely had asbestos in there homes.How many have had a flood and repaired the homes themselves.

Since the barrhead news printed this story, many other media have taken interest in the story and it looks like my home will be asbestos free and habital soon, thank you Barrhead news.

This has been the worst experience of my life, but thank to the barrhead news and other media I will be home soon

without predujice

Andrea Reid

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Amy Dalgleish
Unregistered User
Mar 17, 13:16
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I think it's vital that the neighbouring houses are checked - especially if there are linked health statistics in this area.

Through all this tragedy, if one thing good that comes, it is getting rid of harmful substances.

i hope it gets sorted soon - i can't believe it started in Novemember and the house still isn't ready!

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ro
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Mar 18, 00:57
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The majority of the houses in the Bovis must have this potentially dangerous artex, my mother-in-law in Glen Mark has it on all ceilings and her friend in Glen Doll has on all downstairs walls and ceilings, I presume there are more Bovis homes like this.

East Renfrewshire council should be taking action here, especially as the number of people with ill health in the area is sky high.

Ro x

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ro
Unregistered User
Mar 18, 01:29
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The majority of the houses in the Bovis must have this potentially dangerous artex, my mother-in-law in Glen Mark has it on all ceilings and her friend in Glen Doll has on all downstairs walls and ceilings, I presume there are more Bovis homes like this.

East Renfrewshire council should be taking action here, especially as the number of people with ill health in the area is sky high.

Ro x

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ro
Unregistered User
Mar 18, 10:51
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The majority of the houses in the Bovis must have this potentially dangerous artex, my mother-in-law in Glen Mark has it on all ceilings and her friend in Glen Doll has on all downstairs walls and ceilings, I presume there are more Bovis homes like this.

East Renfrewshire council should be taking action here, especially as the number of people with ill health in the area is sky high.

Ro x

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Rob
Unregistered User
Mar 18, 19:01
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To Andrea,

I don't think you read my posts properly - no offence intended.

Asbestos is not a risk if it is undisturbed. In your case it was disturbed and had to be removed. No one can nor should start analysing every building on the planet, as it's not a risk if no one is exposed to it, and the only way you get exposed to it, is when it is damaged or disturbed, releasing the fibres into the air.

To Ro,

I made some points earlier discussing the above matter, and regarding the responsibilities of the Council, or in this case, otherwise - read above.

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Rob
Unregistered User
Mar 18, 19:06
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Just another quick point. Please, please, please, don't all run around paying a fortune to have your ceilings/walls etc tested for asbestos. You need to phone the HSE using their Infoline on 0845 345 0055 and they will give you all the information you need.

Either that, or I'm going to quit my job and start up an Asbestos removal company, as this area would make me a fortune.

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Rob
Unregistered User
Mar 18, 19:07
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To Andrea,

I don't think you read my posts properly - no offence intended.

Asbestos is not a risk if it is undisturbed. In your case it was disturbed and had to be removed. No one can nor should start analysing every building on the planet, as it's not a risk if no one is exposed to it, and the only way you get exposed to it, is when it is damaged or disturbed, releasing the fibres into the air.

To Ro,

I made some points earlier discussing the above matter, and regarding the responsibilities of the Council, or in this case, otherwise - read above.

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laura
Unregistered User
Mar 20, 15:48
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This whole situation is rediculous!

Has Andrea not had enough to deal with without the added stress?

The amount of time it is taking for the insurance company to take control and get the problem sorted out is awful!

I understand that insurance companies are dealing with a lot of claims, but surely when a woman has been out of her home for months and staying in hotels, it should be seen as priority to get the problem resolved.

Her poor dogs, are in Kennels when they are used to being with their owner every day.

People pay insurance, as a precaution. Most hardly ever claim or never do. Then when one does need to, they are in no hurry to even sort the problem out? Its rediculous.

Hopefully everything is sorted soon, so they can get on and deal with the Asbestos.

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