A flexible fibre commonly used in building materials, asbestos was popular because of its resistance to heat, corrosion, and electricity. It was discovered later that asbestos exposure was highly lethal and asbestos removal Sydney was prominent since 2003, the year asbestos was banned in Australia.
Health-Related Risks Involved in Prolonged Asbestos Exposure
Although even a short amount of exposure is bound to cause severe problems, asbestos exposure can give rise to these health issues in people:
- Asbestos fibres can get trapped in the body permanently when inhaled. When exposed for a long time, these fibres accumulate and, in turn, cause inflammation, lung damage and even generic issues.
- It can give rise to mesothelioma, cancer that occurs due to asbestos exposure.
- Severe lung diseases such as asbestosis have also been found in regular workers exposed to asbestos daily.
The carcinogenic compounds in the mineral are what render asbestos toxic. This is why asbestos removal in Sydney is favoured by health bodies and governing institutions alike. Even a minor infraction like in the case of Sydney’s Little Bay Beach and New Sydney housing estate can lead to the area being cordoned off and strict action taken by the authorities.
How To Determine If There’s Asbestos In The House:
Although the mineral has been banned in the country, traces can still be found in the building materials and other areas. The probability of finding asbestos is high for homes that have been around in Sydney for a long time. For starters, here are a few hotspots to check:
Pipes: Old asbestos insulation can still be found in working pipes around the home. Check the pipes for signs of breaking down or deterioration. If there is any, leave it and don’t get anyone exposed to it. The same goes for asbestos cement too.
Tiles: Asbestos tiles are not used today, but older homes might have them fixated on the floor. The best way to ensure that is to take a sample and test it. If it indicates that asbestos is present, consult a professional and get it removed.
Walls: Older homes had drywall sheets built to resist fires. When drilled or demolished, they can release asbestos fibres into the air.
Ceiling: Watch out for ceiling tiles and remove them if there is any sign of cracks or becoming brittle. Don’t switch on the fans either, as they can spread asbestos fibres throughout the home.
If there is no sign of wear in windows or pipes, then it’s okay to leave them there and not replace them. Don’t saw, drill or break them and ensure that they are not damaged. Try to keep all the house activities away from such areas. However, in the case of roofs and ceilings, remove them as soon as possible.
Removing Asbestos From The Home:
Hiring professionals to remove asbestos can help prevent injuries or other accidents. Trying to remove asbestos by itself is never recommended unless they are extremely sure they know how to. Moreover, they must wear protective gear to prevent exposure and keep them safe from scratches or other damage. All things considered, it’s a way better alternative to get the help of a company in Sydney that has been dealing with asbestos removal for a long time. Not only do they know how they should handle the material, but they will also have experienced staff that have been working in the field for years. It is best to leave asbestos removal to the experts than try to handle it oneself and make it worse.
