Full PPE Included
Written by Tom Yates . Edited
Fact Checked by William Wright, NEBOSH
After it was discovered to cause cancer and a range of other unpleasant illnesses that grow over time, in 1999 asbestos was made illegal throughout the UK.
Today, asbestos still poses a risk to people who live or work in older buildings. Particularly those that were constructed before the substance was prohibited. However, skilled professionals specially trained in asbestos removal can help.
As they get older, buildings often need extensive repair work, and these projects risk exposing any asbestos that might be present. The substance is mostly innocuous up to this point. However, when older buildings start to be renovated, steps need to be taken to ensure their occupants' safety.
A lot of the asbestos is undisturbed in locations like Peterborough, which means that it poses very little danger. However, before changes or repair work begins, it is important to check if asbestos exists, and if it does, extract it to ensure that any potential risk is minimised.
But first it needs to be found. When it is, trained specialists can safely remove asbestos, but the first step is to identify it. This can be accomplished by testing materials suspected of containing asbestos, which can be achieved using one of our test kits for Asbestos-Sampling.
Asbestos is a collection of minerals composed of a particular set of microscopic fibres. Throughout the 20th century, the material was widely used in construction projects in the UK.
Asbestos was labelled by some in the building trade as the 'magic material.' It was mainly used in insulation, flooring, roofing, walls and ceilings. As it contained fireproof, non-conductive and insulating properties, the product was highly regarded. This led to increased use of it by building companies anywhere they could - ignorant of the risk it posed.
It was mixed in such high amounts into cement, insulation and other materials that it still exists today. Twenty years later, tracking it down and extracting it is still going on. In time, it became so extensively used that removing all it has become a monumental challenge. And one that will still take many decades to achieve fully.
Many of those older buildings eventually need renovation or repair work - and many of them possibly contain asbestos. Asbestos that would have been safely locked away within the mortar but now risks being exposed and presenting a danger to occupants.
The more buildings begin to show signs of age and degradation, the more and asbestos testis needed. This is why asbestos today appears to be a more significant concern than it used to be. It's actually not; only a lot of the buildings that contain it are starting to require work, bringing the issue to the forefront of public attention.
Asbestos can be extremely hazardous when inhaled. When asbestos is disturbed, it can release thousands of noxious microscopic fibres into the air.
These fibres can be inhaled, causing long-term and irreparable lung damage to those who breathe it in. Asbestos, which stays untouched, poses little health risk. But it's important to know if asbestos is present and where it might be before renovation work begins.
Industrial workers are most at risk of asbestos particles being inhaled. Owing to the nature of their jobs. This includes plumbers, carpenters, and builders who all risk coming into contact with asbestos more than others. In those that have come into contact with it, symptoms of asbestos-related illness can take years to develop.
The same can be said of any other people who become exposed to asbestos particles, especially if they inhale them. When evidence of its existence is suspected, it is then prudent to investigate so possible asbestos can be removed. All older buildings eventually need maintenance, so it may be something you need to do sooner or later if you occupy one.
Asbestos removal is just part of the process; the first move is to understand where it is located. Our Asbestos-Sampling test kits are specifically created to help you arrange this. Hopefully providing you with some clarity.
They allow you to safely take a sample of any material suspected of containing asbestos and send it to us for analysis. This way, we will soon be able to tell you if asbestos exists inside the material.
Interacting with asbestos can be dangerous, so our kits are sent with full instructions and personal protective equipment to keep you safe. Our industry regulators also approve the PPE we use.
The instructions are clear and straightforward to follow. If you need more assistance, we will directly speak with you through the process by telephone.
You can also learn more about how the process works by viewing this video on our website. The good news is that only the sample only needs to be very small, ensuring you won't need to engage with possible asbestos for long.
Once we receive your sample for lab analysis, we will try to test it on the same day we receive it. This way, we can get your results to you as quickly as possible.
We will then provide guidance on what to do next, especially if asbestos is detected in your sample. We can also help you arrange asbestos removal through a local company if you require us to.
Instead of a sample test kit, you may prefer a complete asbestos survey. This will help you check if there is asbestos in your home, and if there does, where it is likely to be.
Asbestos-Sampling itself does not organise surveys, but we'll be pleased to refer you to an organisation that does. This will make it easier for you to identify whether or not asbestos is present in your building and exactly where it could be.
If you are worried that your home or business may contain traces of asbestos, order one of our Asbestos-Sampling test kits today. Together we will evaluate if your building contains asbestos, where it is, and how to remove it safely.
Full PPE Included
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