Asbestos is a very dangerous material. It was a material that was extensively used within construction in the UK for many decades, up until it was banned in 1999. Although it is now 20-years since asbestos was used in new construction, there is still a large swathe of structures and properties throughout the country that have asbestos inside them. Whenever there is reconstruction, demolishment, or refurbishment projects taking place on buildings that were built prior to the ban on asbestos in 1999 there is a danger that asbestos is present. It is in these circumstances that it is important to hire a licensed asbestos survey and asbestos management company that can survey the building, identify clear issues with asbestos, and arrange for the fast and safe removal of asbestos before any further work can take place.
The most common way that asbestos can be dangerous is when the material is disturbed. When this happens asbestos fibres can move into the air, and it is when these fibres are breathed in that harm is caused to the human body. It is always the release of dust and fibres that caused problems when inhaled or ingested. The fibres become trapped in the mucous membranes in the throat and nose. If the fibres end up going further into the body, into the lungs or digestive tract it can cause serious health problems.
The problem is that many asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, do not present symptoms for many decades in most cases. What this means is that individuals who worked in professions where asbestos was present many years ago, might only become seriously ill when it is already too late, and usually well into retirement. It is the understanding of the way asbestos illnesses manifest many decades later that makes it vital that you never take a chance with asbestos now. You might seem fine, but in the future it could lead to serious injury, or even your death in the worst case.
There are many cases where demolition, refurbishment and renovation is taking place on a structure where asbestos is at its most hazardous. This is especially the case where it has been present for many years. If the asbestos is easily crumbled by hand the fibres can be released easily into the air. It is when asbestos is in this state that you should be aware of potential danger. It is important to understand exactly where asbestos is present in a building prior to any work of this nature takes place, as it is this type of work that disturbs asbestos and makes it more likely to be inhaled by construction or demolition workers, as well as those who live and work in buildings that are being worked on in any capacity.
Always choose an asbestos survey and management company that can deliver the goods, providing you with accurate information about the presence of asbestos in a building, whilst also providing fast and secure removal of asbestos wherever necessary.
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