Before the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it was used extensively in construction and is now recognised as one of the most significant health hazards seen in the construction industry today. The use of asbestos causes major public health concerns due to the harmful fibres it released. Not only can these fibres cling to clothing posing risks to the wearer and those around them at a later stage, but, more severely, they can become lodged into the lungs. In many tragic cases, the inhalation of asbestos caused deadly illnesses including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesotheliomas.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a collection of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are heat and chemically resistant. These minerals were used within building materials and installed within the ceilings, roofs, and floors due to their desirable properties including fire resistance, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, as well as sound absorption properties.
There are 3 different types of asbestos, and these include:
- Chrysotile (white) asbestos is the most common form of asbestos, and it is used in materials such as cement, brake linings, and roofing materials
- Amosite (brown) asbestos is often found in cement sheets and pipe insulation
- Crocidolite (blue) asbestos is only used in high temperature environments and it is found in materials such as pipe insulation and spray-on coatings. This blue material is the deadliest variant due to its thin and sharp fibres which are easily inhaled.
What is asbestos used for and can you live with it?
Asbestos has a variety of uses ranging from insulation materials to car parts. It can often be found in basements, lofts, and behind walls in older properties.
After the first speculations around the safety of asbestos in 1985 the usage of crocidolite and amosite asbestos was restricted. This being said, chrysotile was still in use due to its curly fibres which were thought to be less harmful than crocidolite. Chrysotile wasn’t seen to be as dangerous as the other types of asbestos.
If you believe that you may have asbestos in your home, it is recommended that you get your home professionally surveyed by an asbestos surveyor that can recommend the appropriate steps of actions depending on the outcome and severity of the asbestos. Asbestos is possible to live with, however it requires careful maintenance to ensure that minimum damage is done to your health. When the asbestos remains undisturbed, it isn’t an immediate threat to your health, it is only when the asbestos becomes damaged that the fibres then become airborne and can potentially be inhaled causing serious health issues.
What are the modern-day alternatives to asbestos?
There are many alternative materials to asbestos that all offer various similar properties without the added complications of health risks, meaning that the chances of respiratory diseases are lowered just by using an alternative such as Fiberglass, Rockwool, and stone wool. These materials are recycled and recyclable, meaning it not only better for us, but for the environment too.
Disposal of asbestos
Asbestos removal is a highly regulated process due to the severe health problems that can occur. Removal starts with a professional survey that determines the level of risk associated with the removing the asbestos. Once this is carried out licensed asbestos removers will handle the removal process, ensuring that PPE is worn to protect them from the fibres. Once the asbestos is removed it is dampened to ensure no more fibres enter the air, placed into heavy duty bags and then disposed as hazardous waste in specific hazardous waste landfill sites.
Say Goodbye to Asbestos
Modern day insulation materials have revolutionised the building and construction industry, offering superior performance and safety in comparison to previously used traditional asbestos insulation. Asbestos once used due to its excellent thermal and fire properties has since been phased out as a result of its harmful health effects.
At Trade Group, we prioritise the health and safety of our customers by offering an extensive range of premium insulation materials that meet the challenging demands of today’s building standards and regulations. Our products improve energy efficiency and make enhanced changes to your property.
We offer an extensive range of materials including mineral wool, PIR insulation boards, insulated plasterboards, and plasterboards. Our products feature top brands including Knauf, Celotex, Kingspan, British Gypsum, Rockwool, and Ecotherm. Get yours here at Trade Insulations
Is it ok to plaster over asbestos?
Plastering over asbestos can be safe but only if it’s approached with caution, and only if the asbestos is in good condition. Covering the asbestos with plaster could prevent the harmful fibres from becoming airborne which reduces the overall risk, however before this happens the asbestos material must be assessed by a professional and have proper documentation and labelling of the affected area so that future homeowners or decorators do not accidentally disturb it.
How harmful is asbestos insulation?
Asbestos insulation is classed as highly hazardous to human health since it releases tiny fibres into the air which when inhaled causes severe illnesses. Exposure to these fibres can led to deadly diseases such as mesothelioma which is a rare case of cancer that targets the lungs or asbestosis which is a chronic lung condition caused by scaring on the lungs caused by the shards of asbestos stabbing into the lungs.
What do I do after asbestos exposure?
If you have been exposed to asbestos it is highly recommended to seek medical help as soon as possible to ensure that the correct tests and procedures can be recommended and carried out to look out for asbestos damages to the lungs. Symptoms such as excessively coughing, or shortness of breath must be documented alongside the details such as the length of exposure and the conditions.
What are the symptoms of asbestos exposure?
Symptoms of asbestos exposure often don’t appear for many years, but common symptoms include being short breathed, fluid in the lungs, a dry cough, pains in the chest, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, difficulty swallowing and a raspy voice.
Does 1950 insulation contain asbestos?
Asbestos installed or made in the 1950s will more than likely contain asbestos as asbestos wasn’t banned until the late 1970s and up until then it was a common practice that asbestos was used in many insulating materials due to its heat resistance and up until the late 1970s to early 1980s that it began to be regulated.
Where is asbestos still used?
Asbestos still isn’t fully banned in all countries around the world, although it is highly regulated by agencies like environmental protection. In the United States asbestos is still legal in building materials, however it is only allowed under certain conditions. In Canada manufactures, importation and exportation of asbestos have been banned but there is a variety of expectations especially when it comes to military uses. Russia is the world’s largest producer of asbestos as they continue to mine and export asbestos excessively
