Since asbestos fibres are microscopic in size, they are highly resistant to fire and other forms of damaging forces. Due to these qualities, asbestos has been widely used in homes and businesses for decades. Unfortunately, asbestos has also been linked to several health risks.
Residential or commercial asbestos abatement should be handled by professionals who have the necessary skills and resources to handle asbestos removal safely.
What Are the Health Risks Associated with Asbestos?
Even if you are living in a house with asbestos, it isn’t necessarily dangerous. In general, most intact asbestos materials don’t release fibres or particles into the air. Occasionally, however, material disturbance can create a new hazard. When the asbestos is damaged or has wear and tear, you should consider going for asbestos abatement.
Some of the potential health risks include lung cancer, respiratory problems, asbestosis and weakening of the immune system. Over time, the material can take a serious toll on health, which is why its use is slowly declining.
Why You May Have Asbestos in Your House
Asbestos was widely used in home construction from the early 1940s to the 1970s. If you have a house from this period, it may contain asbestos in some places you might not expect. Many people are familiar with asbestos as a common material used in blown-in attic insulation.
But there are many other places where asbestos could be found in old houses, including houses that have been updated several times since the 1970s. Before opting for asbestos removal services in Perth, it’s important that you are aware of its sources, which may include:
- Plaster
- Floor tiles
- Roofing material
- Linoleum
During 1977, asbestos was commonly used as a ceiling paint, so it is highly likely that your business has asbestos-containing ceilings, particularly if old ceilings have simply been covered up with new ones. Regardless of how often your ceilings have been updated or painted, you may still have asbestos in the room.
How to Test for Asbestos
In order to successfully remove the harmful material, it is imperative to determine whether there is asbestos in your home or business. Testing for asbestos is the most reliable method to accomplish this.
Polarised light microscopy is the preferred method for the detection of asbestos in building materials for many businesses. Sample analysis and air monitoring are also common ways of detecting asbestos. These include isolating the fibre and testing them for asbestos so that the removal process can begin quickly.