Asbestos
Safety for you and your familyThe hidden dangers surrounding renovations of homes with asbestos have been once again highlighted during the recent publicity surrounding the rollout of the National Broadband Network.
Up until 1982 many homes may have been built with asbestos products such as flat fibrous-cement sheeting products and corrugated roofing material up until 1986. These products can become a health hazard when people are exposed to asbestos fibres and dust during demolition, drilling or cutting of asbestos products.
It is important to know and understand the dangers of exposure especially when families with children are in close proximity of these renovations.
It is also important to ensure that expert contractors who are trained in the safe handling of these materials undertake any removal and disposal of asbestos products.
It must be clearly articulated and understood that exposure to asbestos fibres or dust can cause serious health issues such as Asbestosis, Lung Cancer or Mesothelioma. Asbestosis is characterised by a progressive disease of the lungs that increases breathlessness over time. Mesothelioma is a more rare for of cancer that may affect the chest cavity lining and/or lungs and less often the abdominal cavity and abdominal organ linings.
The insidious nature of the problem lies in the fact that the disease can appear many years after exposure but the likelihood of contracting one of these diseases increases with prolonged exposure.
Materials containing asbestos must be removed by specialist contractors experienced in the safe removal and disposal of the cement sheeting in registered landfills that have been specially set up to handle asbestos building materials.
At Safe Check Inspections we are experts in identifying building materials containing asbestos and we are able to recommend appropriately qualified contractors to remove and dispose of the material from your property.