Every homeowner or commercial space owner must have known the danger of the presence of asbestos in a building. During the early decades, just about every home insulation contains asbestos for its fire-resistant qualities.

However, due to the health risks asbestos fibres bring to humans, the use of building materials containing asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2003.

That being said, everyone should not take lightly the dangers behind asbestos components. If you discover any presence of asbestos in your home, it is best to call the experts.

Why Do You Need to Call an Asbestos Removal Company?

Asbestos is popularly used in construction, primarily used as an attic insulator. Though asbestos can also be found in common materials like paper, plastic, cement, or cloth, it is more known to be present in walls, ceilings, roof and floor tile materials, or house paints.

If you are no expert in handling asbestos and aren’t aware of the dangers from exposure to it, you need to call an asbestos disposal service. It is not through DIY that you can remove asbestos.

Here are three important reasons that require you to get the help of an asbestos removal company.

1. Asbestos is very dangerous to health.

Asbestos can reside in your lungs and be trapped there permanently, causing inflammation along the lining and leading to serious health conditions. These fibres are airborne, so it is risky to be exposed in areas with their presence.

These health risks can be classified for three reasons.

• * The younger population’s vulnerability

The younger population, especially children, is more susceptible to disease when it comes to inhaling asbestos fibres. While there has been no concrete reason as to why children are vulnerable and aren’t as tough as matured people on resistance against inhaling harmful dust particles that will get into their lungs. Also, it is natural to protect these young people to prevent spoiling their chance of living a long life.

• * Can cause rare cancer-related disease, treatable but incurable

Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma. It is a rare cancer that forms tumours along the lining of the lungs that become scarred and inflamed through time. Patients suffering from mesothelioma likely live for a year and then die if the situation is aggressive. It is only through treatment that one can prolong life, but according to medical experts, there is no cure for mesothelioma.

• * Can cause thousands of deaths each year

In Australia alone, there are reports that hundreds of people died of cancer due to asbestos exposure. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, other causes of death also include lung and other types of cancer.

2. Your building or home was built in the 70s.

Another reason why you need to call a reliable asbestos removal company is the age of your property. If it was built in the early seventies, then consider asking a removal company to conduct an asbestos inspection. There’s a high chance that your building materials contain asbestos. Blown-in insulation for the attic is one example.

The insulation foam and materials also have asbestos fibres in them. These may have been forgotten, but if builders unearth and bring down old parts, including walls and tiles, asbestos fibres will be released in the air, polluting and intoxicating the air with asbestos particles.

Are you aware of popcorn ceilings?

If your ceilings in the seventies are designed with popcorn ceilings, you’d better have them removed by a professional remediation company.

Popcorn ceilings contain high percentages of asbestos. This stucco-style ceiling was used then to cover ceiling imperfection but is highly dangerous when the crumby materials are disturbed.

Never remove popcorn ceilings by yourself. Call a professional removal service to avoid the risk of releasing asbestos toxins.

3. Your commercial space or home may have hidden asbestos.

Similar to an old house, commercial spaces and buildings, specifically those built in the 70s, are likely to contain asbestos without the owner's knowledge. If your building is old and was built in that decade, it probably has lingering asbestos.

Where would asbestos be hiding?

• * Roof products (paints, coatings, sealants)

• * Corrosive containers

• * Boilers/heater vessel

• * Pipes

• * Electrical wiring conduits

The presence of hidden asbestos may not be hazardous but will be during repair, renovation, or rebuilding time.

What Can Asbestos Removal Companies Do?

Safe Disposal 

A trusted company has strict disposal measures to ensure that the debris is properly collected. They have well-labelled bags, air removed, and double-bagged, as well as proper disposal. If you happen to do it yourself, you’re likely to dispose of wastes that may affect others unknowingly. 

Proper Containment 

Asbestos removal companies also have the needed resources and skills to contain the harmful mineral during repairs or removal. They will leave the area safe for humans and prevent the flow of fibre particles from moving when the affected area is sealed. This will avoid any pollution to the house's ventilation system and the outside environment. 

Final Thoughts 

Even a small amount of asbestos exposure can be too deadly and dangerous for long periods. That’s why you should always ensure that the place you are living is asbestos-free. Get your home evaluated for asbestos contamination, as the benefits of removing asbestos from your home would always outweigh the risks and costs of living with asbestos.

If you doubt the presence of asbestos in your home, let the professionals help you. Protect your home and property and live a healthy life.