Asbestos is a mineral fiber that used to be added to many construction materials to strengthen them, provide heat insulation and water and fire resistance for buildings and homes.
This popular fiber was widely used in Australia before the 2000s in the construction industry due to its numerous benefits. However, its use was progressively phased out due to the health risk it can pose in certain situations, and it was banned from Australia in 2003. Yet if your property was built before 2003, it most likely contains asbestos materials.
We’ve drafted this post to help you better understand the risks and assess whether you should get your property checked.
Damaged asbestos is a health hazard
Breathing high level of asbestos fibers can cause serious conditions such as:
Lung cancer
Asbestosis; a long-term inflammation and scarring of the lungs
Mesothelioma; malignant lung tumor
The risk of developing lung cancer due to asbestos exposure increases based on the amount and type of asbestos inhaled. When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged (in the event of drilling, sanding, or breaking, for instance), they may release the deadly fiber into the aid and be inhaled by the home’s occupants.
What materials contain asbestos?
The most common items that could have contained asbestos in the past and may pose a health threat today include:
Insulated steam pipes
Asbestos cement roofing
Insulation in homes built before the 1980s
Backing and adhesive to floor tiles
Cement sheets used around stoves
Seals on stoves
Soundproofing and decorative materials sprayed on walls and ceilings
Patching and joint compounds
Textured paints
Where can asbestos be found in a house?
Some common spots where asbestos can be found in a home are as follows:
Bathroom
Asbestos can sometimes be found on the back of wall tiles or in cement sheet walls.
Kitchen
When it comes to your kitchen area, asbestos could be found in the walls, ceilings, or in vinyl floor tiles.
Living Room
Asbestos can be found in wood heaters’ insulation and in the cement sheeting in walls and ceilings.
Backyard
There could be asbestos in your fences, garden shed, or even in your carports.
What to do if you suspect your home contains asbestos?
To ensure the materials you’re suspecting aren’t releasing any asbestos into the air, you should always acquire the services of a qualified professional. They’ll take a sample and get it analysed to confirm whether or not your home contains asbestos preventing you from putting your health and that of those around you at risk. Now, according to asbestos professionals, if the material containing asbestos is in good condition, it’s best to leave it undisturbed. Once you know you have undamaged asbestos in your home, you can regularly check for signs of tears, water damage, and abrasions on the materials to ensure it doesn’t turn into a health hazard.
Note that if you’re planning renovations and you suspect the areas you’ll be renovating feature materials containing asbestos, you should ask a qualified professional for their opinion before proceeding.
Do you suspect your property has asbestos? As mentioned in this article, damaged asbestos can cause long-term, life-threatening health conditions and should always be taken seriously. Therefore, make sure to get it checked as soon as possible so it can be safely removed from your home.