Asbestos Removal In Australian Household

Asbestos is a group of minerals that are found in a rock formation in nature. In Australia, there are three types of asbestos that are mined—brown, white, and blue asbestos. Many houses in Australia built in the 1990s contain asbestos. They were mixed with cement and used to build ceilings, eaves, and wall claddings. Friable asbestos found in soft powder form is used for soundproofing, heat resistant fabrics, roofing insulation, and in textured paint, plaster sealant, and backing material for floor tiles.

The Risk posed by asbestos removal:

Asbestos removal in Sydney and other parts of Australia follow stringent process and safety measures as inhaling asbestos fibres can cause irreparable damage to the lungs. They can affect the lung tissues causing scarring, inflammation, and other more serious diseases. 

Here is a peek at the four major diseases caused by asbestos:

• Asbestosis: This is a chronic condition caused by inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and damage to the lungs.

• Lung cancer: Formation of malignant tumours on the lining of the tubes connecting to the lungs.

• Pleural plaques: The outer lining of the lung has scar tissue formation that is white in colour. This is one of the early effects of asbestos exposure and impairs some functions of the lungs.

• Mesothelioma: This is a rare form of cancer where the tissues that line the body cavities in the chest and abdomen get most badly affected.

Precautions to keep in mind while removing asbestos cement products:

• Make sure the area you are working in a well-ventilated. If possible, try to work in the open air (but not on windy days).
• Isolate the area where you are working, from the rest of the house.
• Ensure that material containing asbestos is thoroughly wet before you begin work. During the work regularly spray the surfaces with water or a 1:10 polyvinyl acetate (PVA).
• Use hand tools that do not use electricity (for example, hand saw, hand-powered drill) as they produce less amount dust, and the waste chips are bigger and coarser and hence do not mix with the air.
• While removing, carefully remove the nail from the asbestos sheet with minimal breakage and then lay it down carefully on top of two-layered polythene sheeting that is 0.2mm thick.
• Remove and dispose of the protective equipment that you wore while removing asbestos.
• Make sure to take a shower and wash your hair after the removal process and even if you used gloves, wash your hands carefully.
• Inform your neighbours to keep their doors and windows closed when asbestos is being removed.
• Clean the work area with water or a vacuum cleaner.

There are many removalists in Sydney and across Australia who are trained at asbestos removal and provide premium service at a minimal cost. These removal companies are registered and have a license from the Australian government to carry out these services. They follow all the safety precautions mentioned above and limit your exposure to asbestos to the minimum.