Cleaning up after the storm

Has your asbestos expert recommended that you carry out an asbestos removal project right away to protect your loved ones? Well, this means that your building has asbestos materials that could release fibres that are harmful to your health. Although the dangerous effects of asbestos cannot be overlooked, most people today still cannot differentiate myths and facts. This misinformation makes many people make poor decisions during asbestos removal. This piece will outline key facts you should know about asbestos. 

Myth: You can recognise asbestos when you look at it

Unlike what most people know, asbestos was widely used in making construction materials in the twentieth century. Since asbestos was mixed with other materials to create more robust building materials, it is impossible to recognise it today. The only way you can know if your ceiling, piping, or other products have asbestos is through laboratory testing. This testing should be done by a qualified expert to get reliable results. Besides, the harmful asbestos fibres that are released to the environment once asbestos materials are disturbed are microscopic, so you won't know if you are inhaling them or not.

Myth: It's all right to remove asbestos on your own

If you like DIYing, you might be tempted to handle your asbestos removal project on your own, provided you have the equipment. This is risky. The truth is that asbestos removal is dangerous since the fibres become harmful after they are disturbed. Moreover, the risk of releasing more fibres is high since you haven't been trained on how to do the job, use the equipment appropriately and implement the necessary safety measures before starting the work. As such, it is always advisable to assign asbestos inspection, removal and disposal work to a qualified and experienced professional because they are licensed to do the job.

Myth: Short-term exposure is harmless

The fact that you do not work with asbestos on a daily basis doesn't mean that you are safe from the harmful health effects of asbestos. Exposing yourself even for a few minutes could lead to the inhalation of asbestos fibres. Once this happens, you will be at the risk of suffering from severe health conditions such as mesothelioma. This type of cancer is severe and can develop in the heart, lungs and abdomen. So, under no circumstance should you expose yourself to asbestos fibres. If you are on the worksite, you must wear the protective equipment appropriately.

Also, make sure the experts test the entire area after the project to confirm that there aren't any fibres in the atmosphere.

If you suspect your building may need asbestos disposal, contact professional contractors for assistance.