An estimated 13 people pass away from problems linked to asbestos direct exposure in the U.K. daily and therefore it is essential you know what to do to identify asbestos.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that appears naturally in types of rock throughout the globe. Because of its resilience, and fire resistance, as well as being reasonably inexpensive, it has been utilised in the manufacture of hundreds of items, especially building products.
However, it was later revealed that asbestos can cause serious breathing health hazards to people that are exposed to even a small percentage of airborne fibres. These fibres can bring about problems such as asbestosis, non-cancerous lung condition, and mesothelioma. Each of these problems is incurable, ultimately leading to fatality.
Asbestos was typically utilised in materials such as
- Insulation
- Inside Wall Paint
- Ceilings
- Timber Stoves and also Fireplaces
- Cars
- Garden Sheds and Garages
- Drywall
- Flooring Shingles and Carpeting Rug
- Residence House siding
- Water Heaters
- Cooling or Heating Ducts
- Asbestos Concrete Pipes
- Boiler and also Pipeline Insulation
What is friable asbestos?
Friable asbestos is weak, vulnerable to damage, or can be broken down easily. When these kinds of asbestos come to be broken, inhalable fibres will be released into the air, posing a carcinogen to people within the location.
What is non-friable asbestos?
Non-friable asbestos is asbestos that is more durable and immune to abrasion or damage. Therefore, non-friable materials are less likely to break down. Non-friable asbestos can not be quickly disturbed or broken by a human hand.
What should you do to identify asbestos?
It can be challenging to identify asbestos by visual analysis or comparing an area that you think to an example. Consequently, if you presume that a part of your house contains asbestos, you have to send away an example of the material to a certified asbestos screening laboratory.
Commercial residential or commercial properties must undertake a full asbestos audit, which includes lab tests on all materials suspected to include the material. These examinations will determine whether the asbestos existing is friable or non-friable.
How Specialist Laboratories Identify Asbestos
To 100% verify or refute the existence of asbestos, material samples need to be forwarded to an expert lab. Licensed asbestos screening labs identify asbestos and what type it is.
If you suspect that a location in your house or property contains asbestos you should call an expert who will ensure the correct steps are taken to identify if asbestos exists and the level of danger it presents.
Never, ever take the removal of asbestos into your own hands and attempt to remove asbestos products.
Why not check out our simple infographic on what to do if you spot asbestosÂ
