Asbestos Removal - How To Carry It Out Safely

We’ve all probably heard of asbestos, and we know it’s bad…but do you know exactly what it is and why it’s so serious? If not, then you need to read this blog post!

Shockingly, about one-third of Australian homes have asbestos in them. This means if your house was constructed before 1990, it is possible that it was constructed using asbestos-containing materials! If you are concerned that your home contains asbestos, then don’t panic. This article is here to help!

Although asbestos is an extreme health hazard, when asbestos removal is performed in a safe and responsible way, you can remove it from your home without too much worry. This article is going to help us understand what exactly asbestos is, how to assess your home to see if it contains any asbestos, and finally, how to carry out Newcastle asbestos removal in the safest way possible!

What Is Asbestos?

According to Wikipedia, asbestos is a ‘naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral.’ It is a highly heat-resistant material that can be woven into fabric and used for various purposes.

Although asbestos was once considered an ideal material for homes and buildings due to its ability to withstand erosion, heat, and decay while also providing insulation against electricity and heat, increased understanding of this material has shown otherwise.

It is important to note that exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to life-threatening illnesses. Asbestos is a health hazard due to its microscopic fibres, which can easily become airborne and inhaled into the lungs. These fibres can cause serious lung diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. As a result, asbestos has been banned in Australia since December 31, 2003, and is also banned in 61 countries worldwide. So yes, it’s serious!!

Different Types Of Asbestos

Asbestos can be split into six main types: Tremolite, Amosite, Actinolite Anthophyllite, Crocidolite and Chrysotile. They are split into these categories based on how they look when you examine them closely with a microscope.

Chrysotile is the one type of asbestos that falls into the Serpentine fibre family, which are curly and long. Chrysotile is found in corrugated asbestos cement roof sheets, which used to be frequently utilised in outbuildings, garages, and similar structures. Additionally, it was commonly utilised in panels used for walls, floors, and ceilings. Other applications included joint compounds, wall plaster, and pipe insulation.

The other five types of Asbestos, Tremolite, Amosite, Anthophyllite, Crocidolite and Actinolite, can be classified as Amphibole fibres, which are sharp and needle-like.

Did you know that Amosite, often called brown asbestos, is commonly found in fire retardant materials like insulation and ceiling tiles? Which is crazy when it poses such a serious health hazard!

Crocidolite used to be used in cigarette filters back in the day, yet it was used in the past in many different construction and insulation materials. Yikes! I’m sure you would agree that asbestos removal is an essential way to ensure your home is a safe place to be. But how can we know if our Lake Macquarie home has asbestos lurking somewhere inside it? Let’s see.

How To Identify Asbestos

Identifying asbestos can be a challenging task since it is not always visible to the naked eye. However, there are a few ways to identify asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos is most often found in sheet flooring, heat protective mats, small appliance components, electrical wire casings, electrical switchboards, and chemical tanks.

You can try to identify asbestos yourself by looking for warning signs such as old building materials, textured surfaces, and insulation. You can send the material for testing to a NATA -accredited laboratory. However, hiring a professional to conduct an asbestos inspection is one of the safest ways to determine if a material contains asbestos. If you think that a material in your home might contain asbestos, it is best to avoid disturbing it and contact a professional for proper asbestos removal as soon as possible!

Dangers Of Diy Asbestos Removal

Removing asbestos is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. As previously mentioned, Asbestos fibres can be deadly to our health and could lead to serious respiratory problems, including lung cancer. DIY asbestos removal is not recommended, as it can put you and your family at risk. It is always best to hire a certified Newcastle asbestos removal professional who has the proper equipment and training to safely remove asbestos from your home or workplace. Don't risk your health and safety by attempting to remove asbestos on your own. It’s honestly not worth it!

Find A Reliable Asbestos Removal Company

When looking for a reliable asbestos removal company, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, research the company's reputation and check out reviews from their previous customers to ensure they have a good track record. In addition, ensure the company is licensed and certified to handle asbestos removal safely. Finally, get multiple quotes and compare pricing to ensure you are getting a fair deal. It's important to prioritise safety and reliability when selecting an asbestos removal company to ensure the health and well-being of yourself and others.

What To Expect During Asbestos Removal

During the asbestos removal process, you can expect the company you hire to take all necessary precautions to ensure safety. This will likely include sealing off the area where the asbestos is located to prevent it from spreading, as well as wearing protective gear and using specialised equipment to remove and dispose of the asbestos properly.

The process might take several days or longer, depending on the extent of the asbestos contamination. Throughout the process, the company should keep you informed of its progress and any potential issues that arise. Once the asbestos has been removed, the company should also conduct air quality tests to ensure that the area is safe for use.

Asbestos is a serious matter, but now you know what it is, how to identify it, and how to properly carry out proper Lake Macquarie asbestos removal in your home, there’s no reason to panic. Take care of yourself and your family!