It is important to get a specialist out as soon as possible so that they can assess the risk and make recommendations on what needs to be done. So to answer your question, “what should I do if there is asbestos in my house?” Keep reading for more information!
Undoubtedly, asbestos is a dangerous material that poses a risk to human health, and it is usually best to avoid coming into contact with it.
However, if you find out that your house in Australia has asbestos, you may be wondering what you need to do.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a type of fibrous mineral that was once used commonly in construction materials.
Asbestos was used mostly in commercial and industrial buildings, but it was also found in some domestic properties.
Blue and brown asbestos are the most hazardous of the many varieties of asbestos.
The fibres in asbestos can be harmful if they are released into the air, and you breathe them in, as they can get trapped in the lungs and lead to long-term health issues, including cancer.
Types of asbestos mineral fibres
- Amosite asbestos
- Anthophyllite asbestos
- Actinolite asbestos
- Crocidolite asbestos
- Chrysotile asbestos
- Tremolite asbestos
What does asbestos look like?
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that occurs naturally in the earth, usually in the form of long, thin, curly or straight fibres. It is also known as amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite, and/or serpentine.
Asbestos is often referred to as “white” because the fibres are either white, off-white, or greenish-white and are sometimes curly or kinky.
The fibres can easily become airborne and remain in the air for months or years after an asbestos-containing material has been disturbed or demolished.
The only way to know if asbestos is present in a building. If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, you should get it tested.
Why was asbestos used in building materials?
Asbestos was used in building products in the past because it was cheap, common, and durable. It can also be woven into fabric and be used for fire-resistant clothing, including firefighter gear and related garments.
A major factor in its use was that it is fibrous, which means it can be spun into thread and woven into fabric. This fibrous structure is what makes asbestos dangerous to people, especially if the fibres are broken down into tiny airborne particles.
Asbestos was used in a number of common building and construction materials, including roofing, siding, and insulation, as well as in several products found in or around the home.
It was used in these products because it resists fire and other types of damage, is rigid and does not expand, contract, or break down due to age and use.
When does asbestos start to pose a risk?
Generally, asbestos poses a risk when the fibres are released into the air, which can happen if the material is damaged or the building is disturbed.
Asbestos is most dangerous when it is disturbed, such as when renovating a building that contains asbestos. If the material is left in place, there is no risk of exposure.
However, if you remove the asbestos-containing materials. In that case, you risk releasing fibres into the air.
This will put yourself and others in the building at risk of developing serious diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. If you are very close to the asbestos, there is a much higher risk of disturbing it and breathing in fibres. So, the closer you are, the higher the risk.
Why is asbestos banned in Australia?
Australia banned the use of asbestos in new buildings in 2003. If you live in an older house in Australia, it is likely that asbestos was used in the building materials.
To put it another way, until the 1980s, asbestos was a common building material. Most countries have since outlawed the substance entirely.
It is important to remember that asbestos must be left undisturbed.
If it is disturbed, the fibres can be released and pose a risk to human health. However, if you find out that your house in Australia has asbestos, you may be wondering what you need to do.
What happens if you breathe in asbestos?
If you breathe in asbestos fibres, they can become trapped in your lungs, leading to an asbestosis condition. Asbestosis is a long-term condition that causes shortness of breath, coughing, and other symptoms.
Additionally, exposure to asbestos raises your risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer that is frequently linked to asbestos. If you suspect that there is asbestos in your house, it is best to get a specialist out to assess the risk so that they can make recommendations on what needs to be done.
What should I do if there is asbestos in my house?
If there is asbestos in your home, you should do the following:
- If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, speak with an expert. Asbestos should not be removed by anyone but a professional.
- Children and pets should leave the area until it has been thoroughly tested and cleaned.
- Call a professional to conduct an inspection of your home. They will be able to determine whether or not asbestos is present in your home. If they do find any signs of asbestos, they will be able to help you determine how much risk there is for exposure and what steps need to be taken next.
In order to ensure the safety of your health or possessions, asbestos removal experts can safely and quickly remove any contaminated materials.
If necessary, they will also be able to seal off areas where asbestos was found so that nothing else gets contaminated by it during cleanup efforts.
Where will I find asbestos in my home?
Nearly all homes built prior to 1980 contain some level of asbestos. When it comes to asbestos, older homes and buildings that have been renovated before the 1980s are at risk. Here are some places where it is most likely to be found:
- Wall panels
- Insulation
- Floor tiles
- Radiator pipes
- Ceiling tiles
This material has been around for decades, but it is no longer widely used. Asbestos has been effectively banned or highly restricted in many countries as a way to keep people safe from being exposed to its carcinogens.
Call an asbestos removal expert!
Don’t risk your health if you think asbestos might be in your home or business. Phase One Asbestos company provides a variety of services, including asbestos removal, demolition, insulation removal, excavations, and more.
We’re committed to providing excellent service to all of our clients, and we always prioritize that goal.
Please call us at 0466 222 549 if you have any questions about our services or would like a free estimate.
