All You Need to Know About Asbestos Removal
After the United Kingdom, Australia has the second-highest mesothelioma death statistic in the world. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs due to asbestos exposure. Many research facilities in Sydney, like the Bernie Banton Centre at Concord Hospital, are dedicated to treating and preventing asbestos-related illnesses. The dangers of asbestos became widely known after the 1970s, propelling property owners to remove this hazardous material from their places. Also, one must hire experts for Asbestos Removal Sydney as it must only be conducted by experienced specialists to minimize the risk of exposure.
Here is your guide to asbestos removal while you begin your home renovation process.
The Importance of Asbestos Removal
Was your house or property constructed between the 1950s and 1980s, in Sydney or in other places in Western Australia? Then the chances of it containing asbestos are high. The number one reason why its removal is so crucial as it is a highly toxic substance.
Asbestos is bad for people’s health and causes tissue damage. The substance becomes hazardous when it is disturbed and broken down into particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. This increases the risk of various kinds of lung cancer.
How to Know If You Have Asbestos in Your House
If your house is recently constructed and is in good condition, you do not need to worry about the presence of asbestos. However, if you have an older property, you can schedule an inspection to search for damaged materials that may have this substance and have them remediated.
Your exposure risks to asbestos become higher if you are remodelling an old property located on the south-eastern coast of Australia. In such a case, there is a need for a thorough evaluation of your site. Then again, the process of asbestos removal in Sydneyis best left to certified asbestos removers as they know how to do it safely. They adhere to rigorous testing protocols by taking more than a dozen samples from the property. This way, you will find out which materials have asbestos, and you can get them remediated afterwards.
Building Materials That Contain Asbestos
During the 1940s to 1970s, the mineral asbestos was added to numerous building materials to make them more sturdy and heat resistant. Meanwhile, some common materials that may have this substance include:
- Shingles
- Insulation
- Acoustic roof tiles
- Old cement siding
- White tape on heating ducts
- 9” X 9” floor tiles
- Glues employed below flooring
- Popcorn ceiling texture
- Insulation on boiler and boiler pipes.
Out of these, some are more harmful than others. A material like vermiculite insulation looks like small rocks and can be found in your attic. This is aerosolised easily and thus subjects people to many dangerous effects. They are best removed by professionals trained to remove asbestos.
Does a Home Seller have to Disclose About Asbestos in Their Property in Sydney?
Sydney underwent a large-scale housing development during the 20th century. This also means that any home built here before 1982 has a high chance of having asbestos. Home sellers here should not forget that the New South Wales government has a full database of properties that contain loose-fill asbestos insulation. It has thus become extremely simple to check whether a property has asbestos online. So, there is no benefit in hiding the fact from prospective buyers.
People spend around one-third of their time inside their homes, and you certainly do not want to be breathing air that can make you sick in such a case. Nevertheless, making your properties free of this harmful substance is a step ahead in the direction of taking care of your health in future.