Asbestos - What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was originally prized for its ability to withstand fire and extreme temperatures. The combination of strength and durability, as well as outstanding sound absorption capabilities, was much sought after in the building sector. The seemingly miraculous properties of asbestos may explain why the possibly harmful side effects of asbestos exposure have been swept under the rug for so long.


White asbestos, also known as chrysotile, brown asbestos, sometimes known as amosite, and blue asbestos, sometimes known as crocidolite, are the three primary forms of asbestos. Due to the exceedingly sharp and tiny structure of its fibers, blue asbestos is regarded as the most deadly of the three.


Another type of asbestos is bonded asbestos, which is made by gluing asbestos fibers to other materials like cement. This form of asbestos can still be found in the house, as well as in industrial and commercial structures. Flat roofs, roof shingles, and corrugated roofs, such as those used on garages and other outbuildings, all used bonded. It was also widely employed in the fabrication of brake linings and insulation materials, as well as textured paint on walls and ceilings, floor tiles, and water and drainage pipes.


If disturbed and inhaled, particles can be extremely dangerous. Asbestos inhalation is known to cause some serious illnesses including and lung cancer. The dust can remain airborne for several hours and can also cling to fabric and other materials causing secondhand asbestos exposure. Prolonged, long-term exposure greatly increases the risk of asbestosis.


As a result, the European Union has outlawed the use of all asbestos and asbestos-related goods, and there are now severe rules in place to limit exposure to asbestos particles.


Finding asbestos in your house or office's roof, walls, or flooring can be terrifying, but it's vital to understand that asbestos is only dangerous when the fibers are disturbed and become airborne. If your roof, for example, is in good condition and shows no indications of wear and tear, you are unlikely to be exposed to asbestos. If asbestos is well-maintained and covered with an impermeable coating of paint or any similar substance, dust will be prevented from escaping and asbestos will no longer be a health hazard.


This is crucial to consider since many individuals worry when they discover an asbestos roof and rush to replace it with a new one. This is not only a costly alternative, but it can also be risky. If asbestos roofing is not properly removed, hazardous particles may be released into the atmosphere. Repairing the asbestos roof and covering it with a specially formulated asbestos coating for roofs is a less expensive and sometimes safer solution. Asbestos will not be disturbed, and you will be able to securely extend the life of your roof. If you find asbestos anywhere, you should never try to remove it yourself; instead, you should contact a professional asbestos removal firm.


Looking for a better way to protect your business or private property from the dangers of asbestos?  Scopus Asbestos Compliance lays the roadway towards a safe environment. With expertise across all public and private sectors, our experience is to be admired; we draw on best practice initiatives to continually improve the way we work. To know more about air monitoring asbestos and asbestos consultants visit us now.

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