A lot of homes and buildings were built with products containing the toxic substance asbestos. With the exemption of shipbuilding, the construction industry has been affected by asbestos disease more than any other. Asbestos-containing building materials were frequently applied both inside and outside of homes and commercial buildings, including such public items as ceiling tiles.
Up until 2000, asbestos was broadly employed in the construction industry in a range of materials including the asbestos ceiling tile. It has been utilized in the building trade for its heat resistant, fire resistant and chemical resistance properties in conjunction with its durability and sound proofing qualities. In 2000 the utilization of any asbestos containing materials was banned in the UK because of the health problems linked with exposure to asbestos fibres.
Any person who attended or worked in a school that had asbestos ceiling tile may have been exposed. Such exposure may have occurred if the repair or replacement of these tiles was completed inappropriately. Many different companies manufactured asbestos-containing ceiling tiles and some are obviously marked and simple to identify. Others are not so simple to spot, thus carefulness should always be used when removing old ceiling tiles that may contain asbestos.
Because of the high risk of exposure it is extremely suggested that if it is essential to remove them, get a qualified contractor in to remove your asbestos ceiling tile. If you aren't certain whether the do contain the deadly matter then have a look for a test kit and let an expert make a decision before you make any drastic movements to the tiles. It is better to be protected then sorry.
Asbestos is simply unsafe if the material is airborne; hence, contaminated ceiling tiles are only risky if damaged. If you want to remove these tiles from your ceiling, it is best to have a licensed contractor accomplish the work for you. If you choose to remove the tiles yourself, you will need to proceed with great care and carefulness. If you observe that your home contains asbestos ceiling tiles, it is sensible to remove them as soon as possible. Though, there may not be an immediate hazard, there can be a health risk sooner or later. It is better you remove the asbestos ceiling tile.
Source : asbestos wiki