Asbestos found at hotel.

GUESTS at the Holiday Inn in Cardiff have been reassured they are not at risk after asbestos was found at the hotel.

Since the material was uncovered by builders during refurbishment work, the area surrounding the work has been sealed off to guests and members of staff. Specialist contractors have now been brought in to remove the asbestos at the hotel in Castle Street in the city centre.

The material only becomes dangerous when disturbed. Small particles of the asbestos can be inhaled and, in large quantities, can cause respiratory problems and an increase risk of cancer.

A spokeswoman for Holiday Inn Cardiff said: ``I can confirm that building work at the hotel has revealed small amounts of undisturbed asbestos.

``Because it is undisturbed,no guest or member of staff is at risk from this material. ``We are working in conjunction with asbestos specialists, who have carried out a survey of the site, and they are supervising all removal activities alongside our own health and safety executives.''

Building work is expected to continue once the containment area has been declared safe.

The 155-room Holiday Inn was built in the 1970s when asbestos was commonly used in construction because of its fire retardant and insulating properties.

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ASBESTOS FOUND The Holiday Inn, Castle Street, Cardiff. PICTURE: Andrew Davies