Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance whose exposure is harmful to human health. In Sydney, properties constructed in the decades between the 1950s to 1980s are infamous for having asbestos present in them. More importantly, between 1982 to 2009, over 11,667 cases of malignant mesothelioma were reported in Sydney. Those residing in this part of Australia are at a greater risk of developing diseases related to asbestos exposure. If you suspect that your home has traces of this substance, it’s wise to look for professional asbestos removal in Sydney that conducts the removal process strictly according to the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice, 2011. Keep reading to know all about asbestos and what you should do on finding it on your property.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Harmful to Health
Asbestos has chemical and fire-resistant properties. Due to these properties, the building and manufacturing industry employed them extensively. It’s a group of six mineral fibres. Billions of minute fibrils make each fibre of this mineral. If you disturb asbestos products, you and those close to you are prone to breathing the airborne fibres. It causes asbestos exposure.
Asbestos becomes a very harmful substance when the fibres turn airborne. They embed in the tissue of an individual who inhales it inadvertently. It results in scarring and, over a specific period, causes grave health conditions like malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural disorders, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma develops in four decades. Around 85 per cent of patients of this condition are men in Sydney. After 2003, nearly 600 malignant mesothelioma cases were reported in Sydney. Thus, you must take adequate steps to ensure that your property is free of this dangerous mineral fibre.
How Do Professionals Remove Asbestos
The process for asbestos removal is a systematic one. The removal experts first establish what they are dealing with. In this evaluation stage, the asbestos removal contractors execute a detailed inspection of the site to determine what work needs to be done. If the contractors suspect the presence of asbestos, they arrange for testing.
The cost of the asbestos removal in Sydney is based on the condition of asbestos (if it is in a non-friable or friable state), the state of asbestos that’s being eliminated, the place, and the material’s structural integrity. The cost also depends on the ease of accessibility when eliminating the material. It is also dependent on how near your property is to the closest disposal point. All of it is determined at the initial inspection of a place. You also receive a breakdown of the time and cost that the asbestos removal task will demand.
What Should You Not Do If You Suspect or Find Asbestos in Your Property?
Specific actions on your part can make the situation more dangerous. Remember not to leave materials that are not damaged but have asbestos isolated. Many homeowners have children. They need to firmly limit their passage to the materials with this harmful mineral. It’s also essential to not panic when you suspect your property has asbestos. Actions like fervently dusting or vacuuming asbestos debris can have many negative consequences.
Additionally, remember to not scrape or drill holes in these objects. If the area where asbestos is detected is where lots of activity occurs, get it cleaned professionally. You should also not forget to contact a professional when you need to clean areas where this substance is detected. Lastly, do not waste any time contacting your doctor if you experience difficulty breathing or intense chest pain.
