Safe Removal of Asbestos
If you're undertaking a large-scale renovation of an old property from the turn of the twentieth century, then you may find that asbestos disposal is something that you will need to seriously consider. Understanding what asbestos is and how to properly remove it is the best way to protect both yourself and the environment, minimising the risk of contamination and long-term health problems. This guide will provide practical advice to help you prepare for a renovation so that you can work safely with the knowledge that you are taking all reasonable precautions.
What Is It?
Asbestos is not the man-made material many would believe. It is actually a fibrous mineral that is mined and produced into a variety of different products, with one of the more common uses being wall insulation. Asbestos use is nothing new either; evidence shows it was used thousands of years ago in cooking pots but was more heavily mined towards the end of the 1800s. Asbestos itself is a collection of minerals that have a stringy, white and grey appearance and dusty texture when broken.
Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos can be dangerous because of the fragility of the fibres within it. When removed from walls, the dust can get into the lungs and irritate the lining and cause inflammation. This can develop into a disease called asbestosis, which can result in shortness of breath, wheezing and s difficulty breathing. This in turn can lead to more serious conditions, such as various types of lung cancer.
How Can I Handle It?
The Australian Asbestos Network has some great resources that will help you to better understand asbestos and how to handle it. Working alongside that is the Australian Government's Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, whose website allows for you to identify from an alphabetical list many different products that contain asbestos. This is essential if you are planning on removing it yourself, even though a professional company is highly recommended. If you are still insistent that you remove the asbestos yourself, then they even have a complete guide that goes through step by step instructions on how to prepare asbestos to minimise the risks to both you and the environment. It covers how to physically spray it and remove the asbestos sheets, and it also has a search option that allows you to search for a local disposal centre to make sure the asbestos is destroyed effectively.
For more information, contact an asbestos disposal team.