Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once hailed for its durability and heat resistance, has since been identified as a severe health hazard. While it was widely used in construction and various industrial applications throughout the 20th century, the discovery of its harmful effects has led to strict regulations and safety measures. The importance of professional asbestos removal cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in protecting health and safety.
The Dangers of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos becomes hazardous when its fibres are disturbed and become airborne. These microscopic fibres can be inhaled and lodged deep within the lungs, causing severe health problems. Unfortunately, the effects of asbestos exposure may not become apparent for decades, leading to long-term health issues that can be deadly.
The most common health problems associated with asbestos exposure include:
Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, and once diagnosed, the prognosis is often poor. Lung cancer is another potential outcome of prolonged asbestos exposure, further emphasising the need for immediate asbestos removal when it is found.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease when asbestos fibres cause lung scarring. This leads to difficulty breathing, coughing, and a reduced capacity for physical activity. While it is not cancerous, asbestosis can severely diminish a person’s quality of life and may even be fatal in severe cases.
Other Respiratory Issues
Even in cases where long-term diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer do not develop, asbestos exposure can cause various respiratory issues. Chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath are common symptoms experienced by those exposed to asbestos. These symptoms can worsen over time and interfere with day-to-day life.
Why Asbestos Still Exists in Buildings
Although asbestos has been heavily regulated and, in many cases, banned, it remains in many older buildings. Homes, schools, offices, and industrial facilities built before the 1980s often contain asbestos in insulation, roofing materials, floor tiles, and pipe insulation. The problem is that asbestos in these materials may remain undetected for years. It only becomes a threat when renovation, demolition, or simple maintenance work disturbs the asbestos fibres.
Due to its long history of use in construction, countless buildings today are at risk, making identifying and removing asbestos critical for both health and safety.
The Need for Professional Asbestos Removal
Hiring a professional asbestos removal service is essential when asbestos is discovered in a building. Attempting to remove asbestos without the necessary knowledge, experience, and equipment can result in severe health risks for the person handling the asbestos and others in the surrounding environment.
Expertise and Training
Professionals trained in asbestos removal understand the specific dangers and the appropriate methods for handling it. They follow strict protocols to ensure that asbestos fibres are not released into the air. Their expertise ensures the safety of both the workers and the building occupants.
These professionals are also trained to use specialised equipment designed to contain and safely remove asbestos without causing harm. They adhere to industry standards to minimise the risk, such as wearing protective clothing and employing ventilation systems that prevent airborne contamination.
Compliance with Regulations
Due to the dangers involved, asbestos removal is highly regulated. Attempting to remove asbestos without proper certification or following the required procedures can lead to legal consequences and fines. Professionals not only know how to remove asbestos safely, but they also ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
Protecting Your Health and Safety
One of the most important reasons to hire a professional for asbestos removal is to protect your health and safety. As mentioned earlier, asbestos fibres can cause severe and life-threatening diseases. Hiring professionals reduces the risk of exposure for you, your family, employees, or building occupants. These specialists take the necessary precautions to ensure the asbestos is safely contained and disposed of.
Proper Disposal
After asbestos removal, the hazardous material must be disposed of by environmental regulations. Professionals are familiar with these rules and know how to dispose of asbestos to minimise its environmental impact and reduce the risk of future exposure. Improper disposal can lead to asbestos contamination in landfills or other areas, creating new health risks for nearby people.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Asbestos Removal
Many people may be tempted to tackle asbestos removal independently in today’s DIY culture. However, this task should always be left to the experts. DIY asbestos removal increases the risk of exposure and can be dangerous for you and those around you. Without the proper knowledge and equipment, you may inadvertently release asbestos fibres into the air, putting everyone in the building at risk.
Lack of Protective Gear
One significant concern with DIY asbestos removal is the need for more protective gear. Professional asbestos removers use specialised suits, respirators, and containment systems to protect themselves and the environment from exposure. Most DIYers don’t have access to this type of equipment, which leaves them vulnerable to inhaling dangerous fibres.
Incomplete Removal
In many cases, DIY removal efforts leave behind residual asbestos that continues to pose a risk. Professionals ensure that all traces of asbestos are removed from the building, preventing future exposure. Incomplete removal can cause long-term health problems, as even a tiny amount of asbestos can be harmful when disturbed.
Conclusion
The importance of professional asbestos removal cannot be overstated. Asbestos is a deadly material that continues to exist in many older buildings, posing a severe health threat. The only way to ensure the safe removal of asbestos is to hire trained professionals with the expertise, equipment, and knowledge to handle this hazardous material correctly. By choosing professional asbestos removal, you are safeguarding not only your health but also the health of those around you.
