Asbestos has been used for decades as building material around the world, owing to its electrical insulation and highly heat resistant qualities. But over the course of the 20th century, the harmful effects of asbestos have gradually been discovered by medical researchers, attributing it as the cause of several lung-related health problems and even deaths. Australia began phasing out the use of asbestos in 1989 and banned it entirely in 2003, but many houses and buildings that were constructed with asbestos may still contain large quantities of it. Here are the reasons why you may need a professional service for removing asbestos.
Asbestos is Deadly
The dangers of asbestos cannot be overstated. Asbestos consists of tiny microscopic fibres that, when damaged or disturbed, can be released into the air and absorbed into your lungs. Inhaling asbestos can cause diseases such as:
- Non-malignant pleural diseases, which causes reduced lung capacity and shortness of breath.
- Asbestosis, an irreversible scarring of the lungs that may cause persistent coughing, fatigue, breathlessness, and chest and shoulder pains.
- Mesothelioma, a tumour in the lung that may occur only 30-40 years after exposure to asbestos.
- Lung cancer.
Asbestos May Be in Your Home or Building
It is estimated that 2 out of 3 buildings built between World War II and the 1980s still contains asbestos. Australia was one of the world’s biggest users of asbestos, and unfortunately, that means we also have one of the highest rates of asbestos-related deaths. Asbestos-containing products may be in your walls, ceilings, eaves, kitchens, bathrooms, floor tiles, and sheds and garages. While it may be safe to live in a house that contains asbestos, it is during renovation and maintenance work that the fibres are likely to be disturbed and released into the air. Only buildings constructed after 31 December 2003 can be safely assumed to be asbestos-free.
Legal Obligation
If you are the owner or manager of a workplace, you are legally required to ensure that it’s safe from asbestos hazards. If you have reason to believe there may be asbestos in your building, you will need to have:
- An asbestos register that confirms whether asbestos is present in the workplace, and records the location, type and condition of any asbestos identified or assumed to be present.
- An asbestos management plan that details how safety is maintained in the workplace and asbestos risks are controlled.
You can find professional asbestos removal in Perth as well as throughout Australia. Asbestos is a serious health hazard, but rest assured that when you need to have it removed, the pros can handle it.
Leave It to The Professionals
Professional asbestos removal contractors are licensed by Work Health and Safety regulators and trained to perform the task safely and with minimum inconvenience. Special equipment and machinery are also used to both remove and dispose of harmful asbestos and even other potentially hazardous waste materials. You really shouldn’t attempt to remove asbestos from your home or building on your own, unless you yourself are trained and licensed.
