Asbestos Risks, Dangers and Removals - By: Joanna Moira

There are three main types of asbestos still found in premises. These are commonly called blue asbestos (crocidolite), brown asbestos (amosite)and white asbestos (chrysotile). All types of asbestos are dangerous, but blue asbestos and brown asbestos are most hazardous. It is impossible to identify them just by their colour. Although it is now illegal to use asbestos in the construction or refurbishment of any premises, many thousands of tonnes of it were used in the past and much of it is still in place. As long as it is in good condition and is not being or going to be disturbed or damaged there is no risk. But if it is disturbed or damaged, it can become a danger to health, because asbestos fibres are released into the air and people can breathe them in. Breathing in air containing asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases, mainly cancers of the lungs and chest lining. Asbestos is a risk only if asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in. Over 4 years ago, Asbestos-related diseases killed up to 3000 people a year in Great Britain, and this number is expected to continue rising for the next 10 years. There is no cure for asbsestos-related diseases. There is usually a long delay between first exposure to asbestos and the onset of disease. This can vary from 15 - 60 years. Only by preventing or minimising these exposures now will asbestos-related disease eventually be wiped out.

No one wants to live in the midst of asbestos; Australians are well aware of the dangers posed by this toxic chemical, and frequently seek to have it removed promptly. But if you rent an apartment or if your company leases space in a building, who is responsible for removing the offending material? The answer varies from situation to situation.

Roofing businesses are constantly asked many questions about who is responsible for removing asbestos from any given property, and mention the actual owner of the property in question is the first person to look at. In the cases of homes and business properties, whoever holds the title to the property has to ensure that none of this incredibly dangerous material is present. If the property has not been examined for asbestos recently ¨C or ever ¨C then action must be taken; generally, Brisbane asbestos removal should be conducted by a professional company who knows the safe way to remove this lethal substance.

Home Property -
When purchasing a new home ¨C especially an older one ¨C it is always wise to have an asbestos inspection undertaken. This can rule out the presence of this noxious material and allow prospective homeowners to avoid dealing with it down the road. However, a re roofing Brisbane project might uncover asbestos at a later date; if this occurs, finding a company that is experienced with its removal is of the essence. The company that a homeowner selects needs to have a demonstrated and proven track record of success in dealing with asbestos removal, in order to guarantee the best possible outcome.

Health Issues

Whilst there is every reason to treat asbestos with care, the reality is that most asbestos containing materials that you're likely to find in buildings, is probably going to be pretty harmless, as long as it's not damaged.

Asbestos was used in the construction and shipping industries until the 1990's when it was banned by most western governments.

However, being a naturally occurring mineral, it is still mined today in Canada and South Africa and asbestos products are still widely available in many Asian countries.

Asbestos containing materials can still be found in buildings in the USA, Canada, the UK and Europe, but unless disturbed, they are unlikely to present a health risk.

Blue asbestos, known as Crocilodite, is the most dangerous. You're likely to find this in boiler rooms, trains, on older ships and in older swimming pools. It was mainly sprayed onto surfaces for fire and/or condensation insulation.

Because it is a sprayed product, it is quite friable, meaning that it is easy to break and disperse. The fibres released are extremely dangerous and it is this type of asbestos exposure that is likely to lead to pleural plaques in the lungs, which leads to the onset of Mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer.

Experts disagree on how much exposure to blue asbestos is needed in order to create a serious health risk, as not everyone who has had extensive and significant exposure to the material develops health problems.

Generally speaking though, if you come across asbestos in a boiler room or cellar and find that there is asbestos debris present, or that the asbestos is exposed, the room should be sealed off and the asbestos material should be professionally removed.

Brown asbestos, known as Amosite is usually present in boards designed to protect against fire, for example on party walls, in roof spaces etc.

These boards are usually safe and will often be painted (known as encapsulation) to prevent any fibre re;ease.

If drilled or broken however, they can release fibres and should therefore be removed wherever practical to so.

If it not practical to remove, the boards should be labelled stating that they should not be disturbed or worked upon, except by properly qualified or licensed contractors.

White asbestos or Chrysotile is less dangerous than either brown or blue asbestos and recognisable because it is usually present in cement or resin based products.

Again, health experts suggest that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure and whilst I am not one to disagree with the experts on this matter, I do question the hype and scaremongering.

It is well known that for many years, people have been dying from exposure to asbestos. That is not disputed. Asbestos can be dangerous.

Most of the claims however, come from people who worked closely with the raw product. Lagging specialists used to openly spray blue asbestos in confined spaces, using sub-standard masks.

About the Author

Asbestos removal sydney licensed contractor, providing safe & reliable services, house roof & walls, garages, sheds, walls, ceilings, laundry & bathrooms etc. Free quotes for Asbestos removal call us on 0405 610 006.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Joanna-Moira/209276

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