What is Asbestos?
Naturally occurring in the environment, asbestos is the name of a group of fibrous silicate minerals. Used mostly between the 1940’s and 1980’s mainly because of its excellent insulating, fire resistance and durability properties, asbestos can also be found in automotive products such as clutches, gaskets and brakes.
Despite the media attention given to asbestos and asbestos related illnesses, asbestos only poses a risk to your health if it is broken, in a poor or deteriorated condition or during activities that produce dust containing asbestos fibres.
THAT IS WHY YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN ASBESTOS REMOVAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE DEMOLITION
Despite the media attention given to asbestos and asbestos related illnesses, asbestos only poses a risk to your health if it is broken, in a poor or deteriorated condition or during activities that produce dust containing asbestos fibres.
THAT IS WHY YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN ASBESTOS REMOVAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE DEMOLITION
Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
ASBESTOS CEMENT SHEETING
ASBESTOS CORRUGATED ROOFING
ASBESTOS PIPE COVERING
LOOSELY-BOUND ASBESTOS
| There are two different types of asbestos, firmly bound and loosely bound. Each has been used differently in the building industry over the years.
Firmly-Bound Asbestos (non-friable asbestos): This type of asbestos mostly consists of fibre-cement products, where the asbestos fibres are embedded in a hardened cement matrix. Instead of asbestos, cellulose fibres are used in the same fibre-cement products. Firmly-bound asbestos sheeting can be found around the home in: - Cement sheeting, either flat or corruaged (also known as ‘fibro’ or ‘AC Sheeting’) - Flue and water pipes - Roof shingles - Flexible building boards - Imitation brick cladding Other products that may also contain this type of asbestos includes: - Plaster patching compounds - Textured pain - Vinyl floor tiles - Backing of linoleum floor coverings Asbestos can be difficult to detect, however houses built after 1986 are very unlikely to contain any asbestos type materials. IF UNSURE, YOU SHOULD CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL FOR ADVICE. WHILE PROFESSIONALS CANNOT DETECT AND CONFIRM ASBESTOS BY SIGHT ALONE, THEY CAN ASSESS PROBABILITY OF ASBESTOS USE. Loosely-Bound Asbestos (friable asbestos) This type of asbestos may be found some forms of insulation within domestic heaters, stoves and ceiling insulation. Note that this type of asbestos is extremely rare in residential settings, mostly used in commercial buildings and will be considerably aged. Glass fibres have replaced asbestos fibres in the insulation products used today. |
