Asbestos is one of the common building materials found in most Australian homes, industrial buildings and offices between the 1940s and 1980s. It was used in most ceilings, tiles, furnaces and other construction materials during that period. However, it’s known as a carcinogen that may cause devastating effects to your health when inhaled. 

This is why if you have any plans of renovating your home, you must be aware of how to safely manage asbestos. Here’s a blog that will help you know what asbestos removal is and where to hire a reliable and trusted asbestos removal company in Australia.   

Understanding Asbestos in Australia

Australia was one of the greatest users of asbestos during the peak periods of its consumption. Before risks and dangers were discovered about asbestos, this material was heavily used because of its durability, strength, chemical and heat resistance. 

Asbestos was also considered a very excellent manufacturing and building material due to its affordability, versatility and being accessible. It is also fireproof and easy to transport – making it perfect for climates in Australia because of its thermal qualities. 

Asbestos fibres are a perfect material when mixed and woven with other materials to make them stronger. From the 1930s, asbestos products continued to grow until the 1980s. They were used for fireproofing, insulation and soundproofing and may still be found in residential buildings built before the 1990s. 

When mixed with cement and used for cement sheeting for construction, asbestos offers beneficial properties. Asbestos-containing materials do not pose a threat if they are undisturbed. However, once the material wears or gets damaged, asbestos may be released. 

How Can Asbestos Affect Your Health? 

Asbestos is a mineral made from tiny and microscopic fibres. When disturbed, either in natural form or in the asbestos-containing product, the fibres can be inhaled as they become airborne. These fibres may be trapped in the lungs and potentially cause diseases, such as cancer. 

The only way that asbestos enters your system is through inhalation. Exposure to asbestos fibres increases the risk of cancers of the ovary, larynx and the lining of the lung called mesothelioma. What’s even worse is that these cancers could develop decades after you were exposed to asbestos.  

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of fast-growing cancer caused by too much exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease yet, and about 800 people are diagnosed with this disease each year in Australia. In addition to mesothelioma, other asbestos-related diseases are: 

• Asbestosis – The scar tissue forms inside the lungs, giving you a hard time breathing.
• Pleural plaques – The asbestos fibres could also cause thickened patches of scar tissue.

Anyone can be at risk when exposed to asbestos fibres. It’s even riskier for people who undertake repairs, renovations, maintenance and other work on old infrastructure and buildings that contain asbestos materials. Their advantage is that they are professionals and know exactly how to do it. 

Importance of Asbestos Removal Company 

About one-third of homes in Australia still contain asbestos products. If there is the presence of asbestos in your home, getting an asbestos disposal service is essential to avoid exposure and ensure the safety of your household and the people near you. 

Only professionals should handle the removal of asbestos as they know the rules and regulations related to it. Handling or removing asbestos without enough training and certification can be risky. Although asbestos-containing products are safe when they are intact and in good condition, they would become dangerous when broken or damaged. 

The Australian Environmental Protection Authority’s research revealed that there could be no ‘safe-level’ about asbestos exposure. That’s why safe handling must be ensured when dealing with asbestos. Having the right company for disposal, inspection, identification and testing of asbestos can help you achieve this goal.

Process of Asbestos Removal

Professionals recommend abatement or encapsulation for asbestos removal, depending on the condition. They will coat the asbestos using a sealant to prevent fibres from becoming airborne during the abatement. 

When the damage is severe, the materials should be removed immediately following these guidelines: 

1. HVAC units and seal vents should be turned off to prevent the asbestos fibres from circulating. 
2. The work area should be sealed using plastic sheeting. 
3. HEPA filter vacuums and wet cleanup tools should be used to clean the workspace. 
4. Put all the materials removed from the site inside the marked and leak-tight containers. 

Furthermore, technicians or professionals should wear a full-face mask and coveralls while removing asbestos. Once done, they should adhere to the decontamination protocols. They must shower in a place away from work before they change clothes, and they should immediately dispose of the carcinogenic materials according to federal and state regulations. 

Tips to Find an Asbestos Removal Company

Once you discover asbestos in your property, it is crucial to get a professional to remove it. You can start by asking for referrals or recommendations from family and friends. Someone you know might have used the same service before. You can also do an online search. However, consider only companies that have testimonials and good ratings or reviews, a good number of years in the industry, appropriate licenses, strict protocols, free quotes and competitive prices. With these considerations in mind, you can surely find an ideal asbestos removal company.

The Bottom Line 

Asbestos is dangerous once the asbestos-containing product gets damaged. However, before you move forward with your asbestos removal project, you must find a trusted company to do the work for you. A licensed asbestos removal professional uses asbestos removal techniques that adhere to the state and federal regulations to make sure that the job is done accordingly. This ensures the safe removal of asbestos.