Silicosis in construction materials: what UK homebuyers need to know

There have been several recent reports about the dangers of silicon in construction materials and ofsilicosis, which is gaining increased attention in public consciousness.

One of the worries for any prospective homebuyer is not only how the materials with which the home has been built or fitted out might impact the way they enjoy the home's use but also whether there might be a deleterious effect on their health.

One of the most obvious concerns comes with the existence of asbestos - once a wonder material because of its high-tensile strength, lightness in weight and fire-retardant properties. Now, of course, it is known that exposure to the fibres created by breaking asbestos or impacting it in such a way that the dust and fibres can be breathed in can cause serious health problems. The fibres get caught in the passageways through to the lungs causing a painful illness generically described as asbestosis.

Rightly, the Government formally banned the use of asbestos in construction in the nineties and its removal from any current sites must be carried out bylicensed companies to effect its safe extraction and waste management.

Now comes a newer problem with some other construction materials: silicosis.

Silicosis, like asbestosis, is an incurable lung disease, which is caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, leading to breathing problems, and even some forms of cancer. This dust is created by the handling of certain building and refurbishment materials that contain the silica. Whether it's through grinding, sawing, crushing or cutting through the materials (bricks, tiles, splashbacks, worktops, etc.), the fine dust is released into the atmosphere, which is then potentially breathed into the lungs of those working on the site.

For this reason, the reports point to occupations where such exposure is likely to be the highest, which includes stonemasonry and homebuilding. It may also come into being for home refurbishment projects such as upgrading the current kitchen or building an extension, using materials that might contain silica. For this reason, it might be inferred that the homeowner is at risk.

However, it should be noted that it's the prolonged exposure to RCS that is the most frequent cause of silicosis, with particles breathing in where they lodge in the lung's tissue.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which maintains guidance and standards for their chartered surveyors, are clearly aware of silicon-based materials used in construction and recognize the need for surveys to prevent potential harmful exposure, while identifying and controlling the hazard at the building phase.

So, when it comes to looking at the purchase of a property, and where a RICS surveyor identifies a particular cause for concern anywhere within the building, this will be highlighted in the survey report with guidance as to what should be done to mitigate it. TheLevel 3 Homebuyers Report will also include helpful information on any projected costs where remedy is deemed necessary. Should the surveyor query the existence of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, they will recommend an expert be brought in to test it safely to confirm its existence. The experts can then make an assessment of the cost and effort to remedy the problem.

It's worth reiterating that, just because your home is constructed with materials containing silica, it doesn't mean that it is a problem. The issue comes during any construction or refurbishment and the  Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides clear guidelines to those in the construction industry. This is why your builders will wear protective masks and other safety apparatus to prevent the inhalation of any dust from the construction or refurbishment.

Naturally, you might have concerns with any aspect of what the surveyor will be investigating, so take your time to identify those concerns and talk them through with the surveyor, who will be happy to discuss them and help to allay your worries, giving you a greater peace of mind about the property you are looking to buy.

Buying a home is one of the most stressful points in anyone's life, so you'll want to ensure that there won't be any surprises in the future created by how the property was constructed and its current condition. This is why taking out a survey gives you that peace of mind.

Surveyor Local connects you to professional advice through our nationwide panel of chartered surveyors, all of whom are members of RICS. Our surveyors can identify potential material hazards including silicosis risks during property inspections.

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