What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral which occurs naturally in nature in the form of thin, strand-like crystals. It has been used for hundreds of different things for hundreds of years. It was even used in the first filtered cigarette. Between about 1950 and 1980 it was used extensively by the building industry in the country as a fire retardant and to strengthen certain building materials.
Products such as gutters, pipes, garage roofs, wall linings, bath panels and floor tiles have all been made of asbestos at one time or another, and any one of these things could remain in your home if it is more than about 30 years old.
Is it dangerous?
In its natural form, or even as a product, it is harmless if undisturbed. The problem arises when the material is broken, drilled, sawn, etc, as this releases fibres and dust into the air. These fibres are easily inhaled and if that happens over a prolonged period of time, there is a danger of serious health problems. In the worst cases, inhalation of asbestos dust and fibres has led to lung cancer and death. It is thought that 100,000 people have or will die from asbestos-related illnesses in the US alone. At least 3500 people in Great Britain die each year from mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer as a result of past exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos in your home?
If you think you have asbestos, in any of its many forms, in your home, you should certainly leave it well alone. Don't panic, and certainly do not try to remove it. The first thing you should do is seek professional advice. In the UK you can request a asbestos inspection Here (http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedirect/index.jsp?LGSL=415&LGIL=0&ServiceName=Apply for an asbestos inspection). Certain types of asbestos products MUST be removed by a licenced contractor.
Removing Asbestos yourself
Some types of asbestos product can be removed by a non-licenced contractor. If you choose to remove these products yourself, you need to take certain precautions.
- Wear a dust mask which is approved for asbestos use.
- Wear disposable overalls.
- Make sure non-protected people are aware of what you are doing, and are kept away.
- Before removing the asbestos product, wet it thoroughly with water containing a little washing up liquid (assuming there is no electricity supply nearby).
- Do not break up sheets or products. Keep them whole whenever possible.
- Use strong plastic bags to seal up any small asbestos products. Label them as containing asbestos.
- Use a damp cloth to clean up any dust. Using a vacuum cleaner could spread dust into the air, so avoid using one.
- Dispose of only in an approved hazardous waste facility. If you are unsure, speak to your local council for advice.
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