Identifying asbestos can be very challenging and if you have a reasonable suspicion that it may be present in your home, we can help you address the situation.

Although the majority of people know asbestos to be a hazard, only a small amount of individuals have dealt with the it first hand.

For a long period of time, asbestos was used in the industrial industries and construction for its qualities of being fire resistant, strong and cheap. We now know that exposure can cause long term health complications, respiratory illness and cancer.

It’s difficult to tell whether or not something contains asbestos just by looking but there are certain materials that are more likely to contain asbestos.

Typical areas include:

  • Textured paints- asbestos was frequently used in paint ingredients until the 1990’s.
  • Fireplaces/ Wood stoves- these are more commonly found on older homes and the asbestos would have been used as a material for being fire resistant.
  • Siding shingles- used again for it’s fire resistant properties in older homes
  • Vinyl floor tiles- Some floor tiles and the adhesive can contain asbestos
  • Attic insulation- If the property was build between 1920 and 1980 there is a good chance that any insultation will contain asbestos

There are other areas that are indicators of asbestos in your home although not guaranteed such as damaged dry wall, frayed piping ad corrugated cement roofing.

Testing for asbestos is the only way to determine whether a location is contaminated and It is critical that you never test for asbestos on your own accord and instead use a professional testing company. The area should be left alone until it can tested, removed and controlled and without being disturbed as the fibres are only harmful once they have been released into the air.  If any re-modelling work is being undertaken, the fibres could be discharged as a result and the exposure will increase any likelihood of health issues.

If materials that contain asbestos are intact then they should not cause any dangers but it is hard to guarantee that it will remain in good condition. Renovation, natural wear and tear or even flooding can cause asbestos to be released into the air.

To reduce risks it is important to have your property tested for asbestos if any of the following situations are valid:

  • You want to rebuild your property and think the work may disturb asbestos
  • Renovating an older property with floor tiles
  • Drywall or insulation where there is structural deterioration
  • Water damage in an area of your property where you suspect there may be asbestos
  • An insulated attic in a house built between 1920 and 1989

If you decide to have asbestos testing done, it is vital that you do not try to collect the samples yourself and instead call a specialist.

Rightway Environmental can help with any asbestos concerns you have:

⭐ Call 01174 031620

⭐ Email enquiries@rightwayenvironmental.co.uk

⭐ Visit rightwayenvironmental.co.uk

#asbestos #asbestosremoval #asbestosbristol #asbestosdisposal #environmental #asbestosawareness #asbestostesting #asbestossampling #worksafe #healthandsafety #asbestosis #asbestossouthwest #refurbishment #construction #environmental #environmentalservices #asbestossampling #asbestosis