Did you know that asbestos is the second most commonly found mineral on the Earth? Asbestos has been used to make many products for almost a century, which makes it one of the more well-known materials in the Earth’s crust. Unfortunately, asbestos also happens to be one of the worst minerals that humans can breathe in. In fact, it’s so potent that people have been known to die from breathing in small amounts of it for years at a time. It’s especially dangerous when its fibrous material sticks together and forms huge deposits throughout buildings, pipes, and other structures. So how do you know if your home or building is made of asbestos? How do you get rid of it safely? And what should you do if you spot it? Read on to find out more about asbestos removal in Melbourne – what you need to know before starting!
How Dangerous Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that occurs in many forms, including sand, soil, rock, and fibers. It is a soft, white powder that can be found inside mineral pipes, mines, and watermills, as well as some light-metal alloys. Health risks from asbestos exposure include Asbestosis, a condition where the lungs become increasingly sensitive to air, causing breathing to be difficult or even impossible; and Fibrosis, a gradually progressive disease that damages and hardens the lungs, making them less able to absorb essential minerals, like calcium and oxygen.
Although some studies have shown that low levels of asbestos exposure may increase the risk of lung cancer, most experts believe that asbestos exposure is much more harmful than being accidentally exposed to small amounts of it through work or home renovation projects.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. However, it doesn’t always cause cancer, and there are many different types of asbestos. Some forms are non-causally linked to mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lungs and abdomen. However, asbestos can be found in many different materials, including Asbestos appliances and foamed products Asbestos-containing materials used in the cement and plaster industry, Asbestos-containing materials used in the electrical and communications industries, Asbestos-containing materials used in the construction industry, Cement, concrete, and grout used in residential and commercial construction Asbestos-containing materials used in mining Mining tools, like the chipping and crushing of ore that contains the mineral.
What is the Difference Between Asbestos and Silica?
As the name suggests, asbestos and silica are very similar; they are both minerals that form hard, fibrous masses. However, while asbestos is naturally occurring, silica is man-made. It is mined from sand and gravel sources and is used in many different applications, like framing and roofing tiles. Asbestos and silica are both used in building materials because they are very similar in that they both possess excellent insulating properties. As the name suggests, asbestos and silica are very similar; they are both minerals that form hard, fibrous masses. However, while asbestos is naturally occurring, silica is man-made. It is mined from sand and gravel sources and is used in many different applications, like framing and roofing tiles.
What to Do if You Spot Asbestos in Your Home or Building
If you spot any evidence of asbestos in your home or building, it’s vital that you get it removed as soon as possible. If you live in a house that was built before 1910, the chances are good that the exposed asbestos has been in the walls and roof for a long time. First, you need to determine whether the asbestos is granular or fiber-based. Granular asbestos is more likely to be found in older homes, while fiber-based asbestos is more commonly found in newer construction. If you spot fiber-based asbestos, it’s important to remove it to protect yourself and your family. Once you know the type of asbestos present in your home or building, the next step is to remove it. Although asbestos can be shredded, pulverized, or crushed, the best technique is to use a specially designed asbestos removal machine. If you don’t have access to an asbestos removal machine, you can try removing the asbestos yourself. Although asbestos removal is generally less expensive, it’s not recommended because the process is very similar to what would happen if you were to breathe in large amounts of the mineral. If you decide to try this yourself, wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from inhaling asbestos fibers.
How to Remove Asbestos Without Harming Your Health
Asbestos removal Melbourne requires special equipment and techniques that are not available to the average homeowner. You should have access to A power-driven, water- or steam-powered machine to pulverize and grind the clay and other materials used in asbestos exposure, A respirator to protect yourself from inhaling hazardous materials while removing the Adequate asbestos ventilation to prevent exposure to toxic air pollutants A workable indoor environment to prevent the spread of asbestos to other areas of your home. Follow these steps to remove asbestos from your home or building: Use a power-driven, water- or steam-powered machine to pulverize and grind the clay and other materials used in asbestos exposure. Once pulverized, finicky about the fiber type. Use a large grinder to separate fibers from the rest of the material. To remove fiber-based asbestos, grind the fiber to a powder, avoiding exposure to airborne fibers. Transfer the powder to a suitable container and keep it out of the reach of children. If you have access to an asbestos removal machine, use it. If not, you can try removing the asbestos yourself. Clean and remove all contaminated areas of your home or building. Expose any fiber-containing materials in contact with the asbestos to a cobra filter to remove the asbestos and its toxins. Finish by vacuuming up all traces of asbestos and leaving no sources of asbestos visible.
Conclusion
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. However, it doesn’t always cause cancer, and there are many different types of asbestos. Some forms are non-causally linked to mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lungs and abdomen. Unfortunately, asbestos also happens to be one of the worst materials that humans can breathe in. In fact, it’s so potent that people have been known to die from breathing in small amounts of it for years at a time. It’s especially dangerous when its fibrous material sticks together and forms huge deposits throughout buildings, pipes, and other structures. Asbestos removal Melbourne – what to know before you start should not be taken lightly. It’s an extremely serious and potentially life-threatening environmental Hazard threatening to your health and the environment. You must know how to remove asbestos from your home or building.
