Asbestos in your home: How to detect and deal with it
30th March 2016Despite its widespread use since the mid-19th century, the harmful properties of asbestos have since rendered it unusable. That said, there is a chance that homes built before asbestos was banned in 1999 may still contain this hazardous material. This article will act as a guide on asbestos in the home, so you are fully informed on how to detect and deal with it in your property.
What is asbestos?
Whilst asbestos poses no threat when left undisturbed, the moment it is airborne it can release hazardous fibres which can prove deadly. If these fibres are breathed in, they could lead to asbestos-related diseases such as:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
Where can asbestos be found in the home?
If your home was built before the year 2000, it’s important to be aware of the main areas of your property where asbestos can be located:
- Old floor tiles
- Roof tiles and flashing
- Insulation around boilers, pipes, fireplaces, etc.
- Cement products found in roofs, wall cladding, pipes, gutters and flues
- Textured coating used for decorative finishes on walls and ceilings
- Textiles, such as old fire blankets
- Toilet seats and cisterns, window sills and bath panels
- Asbestos insulating board (AIB) in wall panels boards, ceiling tiles and plasterboard
What can I do to deal with asbestos in my home?
If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your home, you must refrain from touching it. Disturbing it can pose a major health risk to you and others in the vicinity, so you should contact an accredited asbestos professional who will tackle the problem safely and efficiently.
There are two types of remedial action a fully trained asbestos expert will take:
– Sealing (encapsulation) – a sealant is used to treat the asbestos which either bonds the harmful fibres together or coats the material to prevent the fibres being released.
– Covering (enclosure) – an airtight barrier is fitted around the asbestos to prevent the fibres from being released.
If asbestos has been detected in your home where major work is due to be carried out, or the asbestos-containing material is damaged beyond repair, it will need to be completely removed. This is a highly complex, dangerous job which must only be carried out by a trained professional.
Exposure to disturbed asbestos can have serious, long-lasting effects, so if you suspect that your home may contain asbestos, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Asbestos Waste Solutions today. Our comprehensive asbestos waste management service includes:
Operating throughout the UK, simply contact us today for free, friendly advice on all asbestos waste related issues.
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