Asbestos is a mineral fibre that occurs naturally and was once used extensively in the construction industry. These fibres were mixed into concrete and insulated boards for their remarkable fire-resistant properties. It was felt, at the time, that this was a cheap and effective method of fireproofing properties since the adverse medical effects were not known until many decades later.
Now we know that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are a potential health risk, particularly when damaged or deteriorated enough to release those fibres into the air. While asbestos has been banned in new construction projects in the UK since 1999, many properties still include such materials within their walls. In this article, we’re going to tell you what to do when you find asbestos in your home.
While there is no such thing as 100%-safe asbestos, the risk is increased exponentially when the ACM becomes damaged in some fashion. If you’re drilling, sanding, or doing a spot of DIY on a surface that you believe contains asbestos, you are releasing those microscopic fibres into the air, where they can potentially be inhaled and affect your lungs. It’s imperative that you cease any activity immediately, especially if it is likely to further damage the asbestos.
Just as important as stopping whatever you’re doing is clearing the area. Get everybody as far away as is practically possible. If the area can be fully closed off, such as an attic space, a garage, or a cupboard under the stairs, be sure to do so. If it’s part of a bedroom or main living area, make whatever arrangements you can to limit access to the area. This might involve sleeping in another room or cordoning off part of the living room.
If you believe you have damaged or deteriorated ACMs in your property, call a local asbestos expert immediately to advise them of the situation. They will be able to send around a team of specialists to perform an asbestos survey that will determine the extent of the risk.
It may be that the asbestos in your home can be made safe, but if this is not possible, it will need to be removed. This task can only be performed by licensed hazardous materials carriers, who will have the skills, tools, and experience to do so with minimal risk for you and your family.
Even if you’re exposed to asbestos, you will not present any ill-effects immediately. Most of the adverse medical conditions associated with asbestos develop over months or years of exposure to the material. It is recommended that you visit your GP in any case to advise them of the situation. While it may not have an immediate bearing on your health, it will be useful to have it on your medical record should symptoms develop later on.
If you need a local firm of professional asbestos experts in Wednesbury, Darlaston, or the wider West Midlands region, get in touch with All Clear Services today. Our team of specialists is able to identify, analyse, contain, and remove asbestos from domestic properties throughout the county.
Call our team today on 0121 526 4839 or 07944 438 409 to see what we can do for you.
Highly toxic and deadly, the risk of asbestos exposure always needs to be considered when undertaking construction work around a property. However, knowing how to identify asbestos is not always easy, which is why we have answered a number of crucial questions.Â
Highly toxic and deadly, the risk of asbestos exposure always needs to be considered when undertaking construction work around a property. However, knowing how to identify asbestos is not always easy, which is why we have answered a number of crucial questions.Â
