Asbestos is a mineral once used in building materials, particularly in building buildings and homes. As a result of its widespread use, asbestos is still present in many older buildings.
Asbestos removal is a challenging and costly process. If you suspect you have asbestos in your home or business, contact an asbestos removal professional in Australia immediately!
What is asbestos, and where does it come from?
The word asbestos comes from the Greek word meaning “inextinguishable. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made of silicate fibres found in rocks and soil. These fibres are powerful and flexible.
It was used in various building materials, including insulation, roofing and floor tiles, wallboard, and cement pipes. It was widely used because it has excellent fire resistance properties and is resistant to chemical reactions.
How was asbestos used?
Asbestos-containing materials were widely used until they were banned in 2003 in Australia due to health concerns. It is a fibrous material used in over 3,000 different products.
It was used in construction materials such as cement, shingles, and insulation. Asbestos was also used in floor tiles and fireproofing materials. It was also used to make clothing fabrics, including gloves and shoes.
Is asbestos still used in products today?
Most countries have banned asbestos in construction materials and products since the late 1980s. However, some countries still allow its use due to its thermal properties. It’s still in use in China, Russia, India, Brazil, Canada and the United States.
In the United States, asbestos is used in asphaltic roofing, gaskets for cars and trucks, and friction products like brake linings or clutch plates. It absorbs heat well but does not conduct electricity which makes it helpful in fireproofing applications in buildings where high temperatures are typical such as power plants or steel mills, are common.
Is asbestos a problem in Australia?
The problem with asbestos is that once it is disturbed, tiny fibres can become airborne and inhaled by people nearby. Once these fibres are inhaled, they can cause long-term health problems.
Children living in a house with asbestos may be at a higher risk of developing respiratory illness later in life. You need to hire a licensed professional to remove and dispose of any asbestos-containing materials safely.
What are the health effects of asbestos?
Asbestos is not dangerous when not touched but can be harmful when inhaled. Asbestos fibres are typically too small to see with the naked eye. However, they can cause problems when inhaled or swallowed.
When asbestos fibres get lodged in your lungs or other organs, they can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, or other cancers. However, asbestos is still used despite these health risks because it is highly durable.
Generally, the most common way people are exposed to asbestos is by inhaling it while working with the material.
People who work with construction materials, especially those who do demolition work, are at the most significant risk of asbestos exposure. They may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials regularly.
What are the first signs of asbestos exposure?
If you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos, some common symptoms may appear only after years of exposure. These include:
- Difficulty breathing and chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness, fatigue, weakness
- Coughing up blood and mucus
How long does it take for asbestos to affect you?
There is no safe level of exposure exists for asbestos. The risk of developing an asbestos-related disease depends on how often you were exposed to asbestos, how much you were exposed to it, and for how long.
The symptoms will show after a long time, usually 20 or 30 years after exposure. Basically, people who inhale a minimal amount of asbestos may not cause health problems.
However, people exposed to asbestos for an extended period may not show symptoms for years or even decades after the exposure occurred.
Asbestos-related illnesses often take decades before they become apparent, meaning many people who work with asbestos may not know they are sick until it’s too late.
Where can asbestos be found today?
Asbestos was widely used in Australia until the 1980s. In Australia today, asbestos can still be found in some buildings and homes built before 1990.
This includes old schools and office buildings that were built with asbestos-containing products. These buildings will need to be inspected carefully before any renovation or demolition work is done so that any asbestos-containing materials can be removed safely.
How do I know if I have asbestos in my home?
Only professionals can identify if your home has asbestos through inspections and testing. If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your home or business, call a licensed professional immediately!
Mainly, do not try to remove any suspected asbestos yourself. As we mentioned, asbestos is harmful to inhalation and can cause serious health problems.
Do not put yourself at risk by trying to remove it yourself. Only trained professionals like Phase One Asbestos must handle this material because they have the proper equipment to do so safely!
What should I do if I find asbestos in my home?
It’s scary to find out that you have asbestos in your home. The good news is that you can ensure that the asbestos stays contained and doesn’t cause any problems for you, your family, or your pets. First, call Phase One Asbestos.
They will send a trained professional out to assess the situation in person, and they will explain the best course of action for you and your family.
Asbestos is not dangerous if not damaged or disturbed. So, if you have asbestos in your home, don’t panic. However, removing it will give you peace of mind that the asbestos is out of your home and that you won’t be exposed to it any longer.
Mainly, you need to identify if the asbestos is still intact or has been damaged. If it’s still intact, don’t do anything because there is no immediate threat to your health. However, if you suspect the asbestos has been damaged by flood, heat or wear and tear, you will need to hire a trained professional to remove it safely before any problems develop.
Could there be asbestos in my child’s school?
The possible presence of asbestos in your child’s school depends on the age of the building and whether or not it has been renovated or repaired since the ban on asbestos usage went into effect.
You can’t tell if it is in a building by looking at it, feeling it or smelling it. It’s not like mould or mildew. You’ll need a professional to help identify any possible dangers. They will remove it safely if there is asbestos so students won’t be exposed to those toxic fibres.
Who can remove asbestos from my house safely in Australia?
To figure out who can safely remove asbestos from your home, you must do a little research before hiring someone. You want to ensure that whoever is working on your home is qualified and experienced in removing asbestos. If they are not qualified or experienced, there could be severe consequences for you and your family.
Phase One Asbestos has been in Australia’s asbestos removal business for years. They have built our reputation on providing safe, reliable services that leave their clients satisfied and their homes clean.
Their team of experts is trained to handle any job, from small residential to large commercial projects. They are fully licensed, so you can rest assured that they will take care of everything when removing asbestos from your home or business. Contact them today and get an estimate!
