Asbestos is a natural element found in rock and soil. It is a fibre that is resistant to degradation from heat and other harsh elements. Due to its flexibility, heat resistant characteristics, and other properties, it is often used in construction material.
What Materials Are Made with Asbestos?
Generally, it is hard to tell whether or not a material contains asbestos by looking at its physical appearance. For example, asbestos is found in tiles, popcorn ceilings, roofing shingles, and sheet rock. Asbestos is also used in the automotive industry in parts such as clutches, transmission parts, and brakes.
Other common uses include:
- Heat resistant blankets
- Coatings
- Gaskets
- Packaging
- Fabrics
- Textiles
You cannot tell if a product has asbestos in it simply by looking at it, so you will have to read manufacturer labels to determine if the material was used. Often, this is a lot of tedious work. If you treat every home renovation product like it has asbestos-containing materials, then it will be a much safer home and work environment.
How Do I Tell If There Is Asbestos in My Home?
A trained professional can determine if your home has been exposed to asbestos. They will use special equipment to read the asbestos levels and determine if you need asbestos removal in Perth. Generally, if you are planning to remodel your home or your home has materials breaking off, it is a good idea to have it tested for its asbestos levels.
A trained professional should always be called to investigate whether or not you have asbestos and to remove asbestos. This is because exposure to asbestos can cause severe health side effects. Trained professionals have the proper protective equipment to handle the toxic fibres. They will have gloves, ventilators, and clothing designed to mitigate the risk of asbestos exposure.
Why Do Manufacturers Still Use Asbestos?
Asbestos-containing materials are used in many homes. You may wonder why they are still approved for use if they can cause negative health side effects. It is because materials containing asbestos that are not degraded, broken, or falling apart pose little to no health risk. If the material is not disturbed, you will not have to worry that you or your family will be in an unsafe environment. Therefore, asbestos is a cost-efficient way to enhance different material without causing the homeowner harm.
