Asbestos Dust – What is Asbestos Dust, the Dangers and How to Remove It

Asbestos in good condition is not directly hazardous to your health. It is not radioactive or deadly to touch and only becomes dangerous when damaged or disturbed allowing asbestos fibres to become airborne and respirable.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined in a number of countries worldwide notably in Canada, China, Russia and Zimbabwe. The mineral was used in building materials and other products for many years. One of the main reasons asbestos was used in construction so widely was because it is naturally fire resistant durable and cheap.

Asbestos is made up of microfibres stacked together and if disturbed can release millions of microscopic fibres into the air. These fibres once inhaled become trapped in the body causing irreversible damage to the lungs and respiratory system.

Fibres may be released by cutting, drilling or breaking of the material which will cause fibrous dust to be released. Asbestos dust is extremely dangerous because of how easily it can become airborne. As the fibres are so light and microscopic they can remain in the air for long periods where they are most hazardous.

Are you at Risk from Asbestos

There are a number of higher risk professions associated with asbestos exposure such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and other construction workers but for the vast majority of people exposure is unlikely but not impossible to occur. Asbestos was used in almost all types of building including houses so anyone could potentially come into contact with it. Asbestos was banned from use in all its forms  in 1999 so any building constructed before that date has the potential to contain asbestos.

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos it is a good idea to have an asbestos survey carried out particularly prior to undertaking refurbishment works.

How to Safely Remove Asbestos

Unless you are a fully trained professional there is no such thing as a safe way to remove asbestos, and the risks involved are simply not worth taking. Have a look at our tips and advice on the best ways to dispose of asbestos here.

What to do if you are Exposed to Asbestos

Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will develop or experience any symptoms. You should always seek medical advice if you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos. Although a one off exposure can theoretically cause an illness to develop in reality the majority of people who have been affected by asbestos workers who have had a lot of exposure over many years.

If you think that you might have been exposed to asbestos fibres, you should contact your doctor for an examination and, if the exposure occurs when you are at work, you should immediately make your employer aware.

What are the Main Symptoms caused by Asbestos Damage to the Body?

Asbestosis is the term used for long term lung damage caused by asbestos exposure.

The symptoms of asbestosis are:

  • Persistent cough
  • Consistent shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Chest and shoulder pain
  • Wheezing

These symptoms are caused by the lungs being irritated and scarred by lodged asbestos fibres that cannot be removed from your lungs.

In other cases, asbestos exposure has also been linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos Surveying and Removal with Rightway Environmental

Rightway Environmental are always on hand to help – from asbestos removal to surveys and training, we operate on a nationwide basis and provide services across the commercial, domestic and industrial sectors.

Rightway offer a complete asbestos removal service whether you require asbestos removal, encapsulation or decontamination we can offer you the right solution at a competitive price.

All asbestos removal contracts are carried out in strict compliance with Health and Safety Executive Legislation and approved codes of practice.

To ensure compliance, Rightway regularly organise audits of its sites. These are undertaken internally by Rightway auditing staff and by external auditing organisations ensuring independent, unbiased assessment.

Speak to the team today for advice about your project.