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Basic Guide to Asbestos Removal

March 13, 2020

Asbestos is a natural material that is resistant to heat, electricity and chemicals. In its pure form, it is an excellent insulator. The asbestos fibres can be combined into many different forms and materials and it can be mixed into cement, dry walling, sealants, and adhesives. If the asbestos-containing materials are in good repair, then there is no reason for concern. However, if the materials become damaged, then the asbestos fibres can become aerosolised. If this happens the fibres are small enough that they can easily be breathed in which can be hazardous to lung health.

Types of Asbestos

As asbestos is a naturally occurring material it comes in different types. There are three main types that are divided based on their colour.

White Asbestos

White asbestos is often used in homes and garages. The asbestos is grey or white in colour, and the material is both strong and flexible.

Brown Asbestos

Brown asbestos is most commonly used in thermal insulation.

Blue Asbestos

Blue asbestos is the final type of asbestos. It is only used for high-temperature applications.

Asbestos Removal: Why is it Necessary?

If the materials that contain asbestos become damaged then the fibres can become airborne. This toxic dust has no taste or smell so you can’t tell if you are breathing it in. If you inhale the fibres, then they become embedded in your cells. The body has no way to remove the asbestos, so the more you are exposed, the more the asbestos builds up in your body.

The asbestos can then lead to inflammation, scarring or genetic damage to the cells it is in. This can ultimately lead to a severe type of cancer called mesothelioma. If you discover any materials that you suspect of containing asbestos, then you should take steps to have them removed from the house as soon as possible. Even though the asbestos is only dangerous when it is deteriorating, it is best to remove it before this begins to happen. It is especially important to remove any asbestos-containing materials that are located in high traffic areas of your home.

Asbestos Removal Process

If you suspect that there is asbestos in your home, then you should enlist the help of a professional construction company to remove the material. It is not advisable to remove the materials yourself. This is because the material is likely to become damaged during the process of removing it. If not done with great care, this can lead to the release of toxic dust. This can easily lead to you breathing in a large amount of asbestos.

If you suspect the presence of asbestos, your first step is to locate a certified asbestos removal specialist. They should be able to come in and test any suspicious materials. If asbestos is confirmed to be present they will be able to carry out the work using specialist safety equipment. Because of the specialised nature of the job, there will be costs involved with the removal of asbestos from your property.

For additional information about asbestos, consult with Simcat Demolitions. We specialise in all sizes of demolitions and related services along with asbestos removal and disposal. Also, we guarantee quality results with each project that we undertake.

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