From time to time, you may find out about an unfortunate individual who has become ill decades after inhaling particles of asbestos. This type of horror story is all too real, and it goes to show how careful you need to be if you suspect an asbestos presence in your home. But what are the different types of asbestos, and where could you encounter this danger?
Defining Asbestos
Asbestos is a group name given to a number of minerals, all of which are very toxic and can cause significant problems for a human being. Indeed, exposure may lead to several terminal illnesses like mesothelioma and other cancers.
Three Categories
There are three different types of asbestos that, over the years, have been used in building work.
The most common is white asbestos. The fibres are very fine and can be easily released into the surrounding atmosphere. This type of asbestos was widely used due to its heat resistant properties and flexibility. It may therefore be found in roofing materials and other cement products.
Brown asbestos is less common but more dangerous. This form was used due to its strength and heat resistance and may be found around plumbing or electrical insulation.
Blue asbestos was used in certain cement products for spray-on coatings and pipe insulation. It's probably the most dangerous of the three as it has very thin fibres which are easily inhaled.
Possible Presence
Asbestos was completely banned across Australia in 2003, although it was being gradually phased out long before then. Nevertheless, many homes or buildings that were built before 1990 may still contain asbestos, assuming that they have not been renovated since then. So if you're thinking about renovating today, you will definitely need to proceed with caution.
Danger Lies Ahead
Asbestos fibres are extremely small, and you will not be able to see them should they be disturbed. So, if you break into a sheetrock wall as you begin your renovation, you may not know what lies behind it, and the situation could prove to be very dangerous.
Your Only Solution
Instead, call in a company that specialises in asbestos removal. They will know where to look and how to test, so they can give you the all-clear or help you to get rid of any present asbestos. Removal is not a job for the amateur, as it is heavily regulated. Technicians need to wear protective clothing and take the remnants to a facility for proper processing.
Share3 December 2021
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Harper, and I am a bit of a clean freak. In order to keep on top of both my office and my home, I have learned a lot of cleaning tips and hacks over the year. If you want to know how to get wine out of your carpet, how to stop a grease stain from setting on your couch, how to clean grout or tile work, or any other cleaning tips, this blog is dedicated to you. Over the years, I have explored everything from cleaning quickly to cleaning thoroughly to hiring professional cleaners. I hope that you enjoy reading my blog and that it helps you and your spaces to stay clean!
