Asbestos – Understand the basics and know the Risks

19 Dec 2016

Asbestos is a natural mineral that contains small fibres that are hazardous to your health if they are inhaled. It was used for many decades before it was found to be a health risk, because of its fireproofing and insulating properties. It can still be found in older buildings as well as other materials.

There are three main types of asbestos including blue asbestos, known as crocidolite, brown asbestos, known as amosite, and white asbestos, known as chrysotile.

Asbestos is low risk as long as the fibres are intact. It becomes very dangerous when the fibres become airborne, however. It was used for many years in a variety of applications. It was used extensively in insulation for buildings, pipework, and ducts and boilers. It was also used in insulation boards. These boards are found in wall partitions, fire doors, and ceiling tiles. Asbestos cement products were used in sheeting for walls and roofs, tiles, cold water tanks, gutters and pipes, and decorative plaster. A spray coating containing asbestos was used on steel work, concrete walls and ceilings, and other applications for fire protection and insulation.

Asbestos is dangerous when it is disturbed. This can happen during maintenance, refurbishment or repair work. Drilling and cutting can also release asbestos fibres into the air.

If you suspect that you have asbestos in your home or at work, you should have it inspected by a professional asbestos contractor. They conduct an asbestos survey, which basically means they will inspect the material and determine if it needs to be removed, then any needed asbestos removal work will be carried out, this must be done by a professional, preferably a fully certified professional. Never, ever, attempt to positively identify or remove the asbestos yourself. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

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