Asbestos refers to six silicate minerals that occur naturally. They separate into long crystals or fibrils and when inhaled can cause asbestosis. Asbestos, however, has its uses in the building industry such as reinforcing building materials like ceilings, floor tiles, types of cement, and roofing shingles among many more.
It is a strong fibre which is heat resistant, and it has been used mainly in insulation and also as a fire retardant. Exposure to asbestos can cause severe damage to one’s health, such as to cause asbestosis, which is an acute and long-term condition that affects the lungs. It can also cause some lung cancers, and it is associated with mesothelioma which is a serious cancerous disease that affects the chest, the abdomen, the heart as well as the thin lining of the lung.
In order to avoid the risk of exposure to this substance, it is recommended to conduct asbestos testing in buildings. Conducting this test also safeguards your health and that of everyone around you. The cases where this testing is highly recommended include:
- If there is any suspicion that a building or an area has been contaminated with asbestos.
- If materials that contain asbestos have been tampered with.
- In cases of demolition of buildings or remodelling of the same.
- Any places where there are scheduled building maintenance or repair.
There are various places that could contain asbestos in buildings. Such are:
- Any wall insulations or attics that contain vermiculite
- Vinyl sheet flooring as well as adhesives
- Any patching compounds that have been used on the walls and ceilings as well as textured paint
- Some walls that are around wood-burning stoves can be insulated with asbestos paper, cement sheets or even millboards.
- It can be incorporated in heat-resistant fabrics
- There is an asbestos coating or asbestos blanket or tape around hot water and steam pipes.
In as much there are cheaper home asbestos kits that one can purchase, it is highly recommended to employ the services of trained professionals. This is because they have the necessary equipment for conducting this test as well as the appropriate means for asbestos removal and eradication. Performing this test by an unskilled person can lead to exposure which as we have established is harmful to your health.
There are certain dos and don’ts that safeguard your health when you suspect that an area been contaminated. These are:
- Keep everyone, especially children, out of that area to avoid any exposure.
- It is advisable to eliminate or reduce all activities around the area to avoid prolonged exposure to asbestos as it is harmful to your health.
- Contact an asbestos removal company immediately.
- Do not come into contact with any suspicious materials to avoid any exposure.
- Do not vacuum such an area to avoid any aerosolization of the asbestos particles. If you breathe in such materials it can cause health risks. The asbestos fine particles can settle in your lungs affecting your health in the long run.
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