Wollongong in south Sydney is one of the best surf spots in the country. The city has a population of more than 300,000 residents with old houses dotted around the area. If you are moving to one constructed during the early to half-part of the 20th century, it might be good to have it inspected for possible asbestos contamination.
Most houses built during that era were constructed with materials and composites made with asbestos. It includes insulating boilers, steam pipes, cement roofing, floor tiles, and shingles. Having the property inspected for the harmful substance with the help of services like Asbestos Removal in Wollongong is critical in ensuring your family’s safety.
Identifying Materials Containing Asbestos
Unless a material is labelled, using your naked eye won’t give you clues whether something contains asbestos. One general rule of thumb is to treat the item like it contains the substance if you are not sure. Do not touch the suspected asbestos-containing material (ACM) lest grains, and tiny particles come flying off.
You can always seek the help of a professional asbestos removing company. And this step is not only advisable when moving to a new home constructed during the first half of the 20th century. It also applies to certain conditions like having your home remodelled, or you currently have broken or damaged materials like crumbling drywall.
Trained and accredited experts will be able to take samples analysed through Polarized Light Microscopy or a Transmission Electron Microscopy. These are the approved techniques of uncovering the substance in your home construction material.
Finding the Presence of Asbestos in your House
Techniques used for Asbestos Removal in Wollongong depends on where it is located, the material’s overall condition, and whether the substance is in a friable or a non-friable condition. Friable asbestos tends to become powdery and easily hovers through the air.
Non-friable ones are easier to deal with because they are tightly bound to the material and do not easily become airborne. Nonetheless, they still pose a significant health risk because they become airborne when sanded, sawed, or cut.
There are instances when an asbestos-containing material can be repaired or isolated. But this is just a temporary solution. Getting a professional’s help is ultimately the best way to deal with such a situation and remove the risks associated with asbestos-containing material.
Removal is sometimes the best course to get rid of the possibilities of exposure to the substance. Additionally, the removal process ensures the right materials are used to prevent asbestos from escaping in the air. Tools like respirators, PPEs, and HEPA vacuums are used for safety purposes.
The Effects of Inhaling Asbestos
Asbestos has been widely associated with several deadly lung diseases. Although the construction industry has already removed the substance from most of the housing materials we use today, it still does not warrant exposure. Most of the old homes in Wollongong contain the fibrous silicate mineral, which is why it should be thoroughly inspected.
Some of the common diseases linked to asbestos inhalation include:
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
- Malignant mesothelioma
- Pleural plaque disorder
Exposure to asbestos always warrants some bodily reaction, particularly because it clings to your airways down to your lungs and stomach. Prevention by removing asbestos-containing material is always a better solution if you do not want to get entangled with such life-threatening conditions.
Author Bio: Ellen Hollington is a freelance writer who offers to ghostwrite, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.