Asbestos in your home poses serious health risks if disturbed. Protect your family from asbestos today! Understanding where asbestos might be hiding in your home and how to deal with it is crucial for protecting your family’s health and ensuring your home remains a safe haven.

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were widely used in various building materials for their durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, it is now known that asbestos fibres, when inhaled, can lead to severe health issues including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. The tiny fibres can become lodged in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring, which can develop into these serious diseases over time.

Where is Asbestos Found in Homes?

Asbestos can be found in many areas of older homes, particularly those built before the 1990s. Common asbestos-containing materials include:

  • Roofing and siding shingles

  • Insulation (particularly around pipes and boilers)

  • Vinyl floor tiles

  • Ceiling and floor tiles

  • Textured paints and patching compounds

  • Cement sheet, millboard, and paper used around furnaces and wood-burning stoves

If your home falls into this age category, there’s a good chance it might contain asbestos products.

Signs You Might Have Asbestos in Your Home

Old house

Identifying asbestos by sight alone is challenging. Here are some signs that might indicate the presence of asbestos:

  • Homes built before the mid-1980s: More likely to contain asbestos materials.

  • Between the mid-1980s and 1990: There is a chance of asbestos presence.

  • Deteriorating building materials: Crumbling drywall, insulation, or floor tiles might indicate the presence of asbestos.

  • Labels or markings: Some products may have labels indicating they contain asbestos.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are severe. Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to:

  • Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue leading to long-term breathing complications.
  • Mesothelioma: A rare cancer of the lung lining, abdomen, or heart.
  • Lung cancer: Particularly in those with prolonged exposure.

The risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled and the duration of exposure. Therefore, safely removing asbestos is essential.

Do I Need to Hire a Professional for Asbestos Removal?

Yes, you should hire a professional asbestos removalist for several reasons:

  1. Safety: Licensed asbestos professionals have the proper equipment and training to handle asbestos safely.
  2. Compliance: Professionals ensure that removal complies with local regulations.
  3. Thoroughness: They can perform asbestos testing and identify all asbestos-containing materials in your home.
  4. Disposal: Proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials is crucial and regulated.

How to Safely Live With Asbestos in Your Home

If you find asbestos in your home but it is in good condition and not disturbed, it may be safer to leave it in place and manage it. Here are some safety precautions:

  • Do not disturb: Avoid drilling, cutting, or sanding materials that might contain asbestos.

  • Regular inspections: Have a licensed asbestos assessor regularly inspect the materials.

  • Encapsulation: Sometimes, sealing or covering asbestos-containing materials can prevent fibre release.

Asbestos Regulations and Resources

In Australia, asbestos removal and handling are strictly regulated to protect public health. Key regulations include:

  • Workplace Health and Safety Queensland: Oversees the licensing of asbestos removalists.

  • Australian Standard AS4801: Safety management systems accreditation.

  • Public liability insurance: Professional asbestos removalists should carry substantial public liability insurance for peace of mind.

For more information and resources, you can refer to:

  • Queensland Government Asbestos Information: Offers comprehensive guidance on asbestos safety and removal.

  • Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency: Provides national policies and standards

Our 3-Step Process for Safe Asbestos Removal

  • 1

    Inspection and Testing: We conduct thorough asbestos testing to identify all potential asbestos-containing materials.

  • 2

    Safe Removal: Our licensed professionals follow stringent safety precautions to remove asbestos safely.

  • 3

    Clearance and Clean-Up: We ensure all asbestos fibres are cleared and provide post-removal air quality testing for your safety.

Protect Your Family’s Health: Safe Asbestos Removal Services

Icon asbestos removal

Ensuring your home is free from asbestos is crucial for your family’s health and safety. At ICON Asbestos Removal, we offer comprehensive services to help you manage and remove asbestos efficiently and safely. Contact us today for a free quote and take the first step towards an asbestos-free home.