Do I Need To Remove Asbestos In Devon?

Asbestos is a material that was commonly used in building materials and products during the 20th century. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibres can pose a serious health risk, causing diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. As a result, it is now illegal to use asbestos in new buildings or products in many countries, including the United Kingdom.

If you live in Devon, South West England, you may be wondering whether you need to remove asbestos from your home or business. In this landing page, we will provide you with information about asbestos, the risks it poses, and the different types of asbestos-containing materials that may be present in your property. We will also explain when you should consider asbestos removal and how to choose a professional and affordable asbestos removal company in Devon.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in rocks and soil. It was used in various building materials and products due to its strength, heat resistance, and insulation properties. Asbestos was most commonly used in the construction industry, as well as in the manufacture of automotive parts, electrical products, and household items such as tiles, roofing sheets, and floor coverings.

Asbestos comes in six main types: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most common type of asbestos and was used in over 90% of asbestos-containing products in the UK.

The Health Risk of Asbestos Fibres

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release small fibres into the air. These fibres are too small to see with the naked eye and can be easily inhaled. Once inside the body, they can become trapped in the lungs and other organs, causing scarring and inflammation over time. This can lead to a range of serious and potentially fatal illnesses.

It can take several years or even decades for symptoms of asbestos-related diseases to appear, which is why it is crucial to identify and remove asbestos-containing materials from your property as soon as possible.

When Must I Take Asbestos Out of My Property in Devon?

As a general rule, you must remove asbestos-containing materials from your property if they are damaged, deteriorating, or likely to be disturbed during renovation or demolition work. It is important to note that asbestos-containing materials may not necessarily be dangerous if they are in good condition and not disturbed.

According to UK regulations, it is also mandatory to remove asbestos-containing materials from your property if they are likely to release fibres into the air due to age, wear and tear, or other factors. This includes materials such as asbestos insulation, asbestos cement, and sprayed coatings.

What Types of Asbestos-Containing Materials Can Be Found in a Property in Devon?

Asbestos can be found in various materials used in buildings and homes, including:

• Asbestos cement, which was commonly used in roofing, walls, and pipes;
• Asbestos insulation, which was used to insulate pipes and boilers;
• Textured coatings, such as artex, used for decorative purposes;
• Floor tiles, which may contain asbestos fibres;
• Lagging, which was used to insulate pipework and other equipment.

It is important to note that not all materials containing asbestos are immediately identifiable. In some cases, a special fiber microscope is needed to confirm the presence of asbestos. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you contact a professional asbestos removal company in Devon to conduct a survey of your property.

How Is Asbestos Removed?

Asbestos removal should always be carried out by a professional and trained company to ensure the safety of you and your family or employees. The process involves several steps, including:

• Conducting a survey to determine the extent of asbestos-containing materials in the property;
• Creating a plan for the safe removal of asbestos;
• Isolating the area to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres;
• Wetting the asbestos-containing materials to prevent the release of airborne fibres;
• Removing the asbestos-containing materials and placing them in special bags for disposal;
• Cleaning the area thoroughly using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove any dust or debris that may contain asbestos;
• Disposing of the asbestos-containing materials in accordance with UK regulations.

The Importance of Choosing a Professional and Affordable Asbestos Removal Company in Devon.

Asbestos removal is a highly regulated and specialised process that should only be carried out by a professional and accredited asbestos removal company in Devon. It is important to choose a company that has the necessary licenses, insurance, and experience to carry out the work safely and efficiently. This will help to ensure that there is minimal disruption to your home or business and that all safety precautions are taken throughout the removal process.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a professional and affordable asbestos removal company in Devon with years of experience in the industry. We are fully licensed, insured and equipped with the latest equipment and techniques to carry out safe and efficient asbestos removal. Our team of trained and experienced asbestos removal specialists will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your property is safe and free from asbestos.

Conclusion

Asbestos can pose a significant health risk, and it is essential to identify and remove any potential asbestos-containing materials from your property in Devon. Although asbestos-containing materials may not necessarily be dangerous if they are in good condition and not disturbed, it is better to err on the side of caution and have a professional survey carried out. If removal is necessary, it is important to choose a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company to ensure the safety of you and your family or employees.

If you are in Devon and have any concerns about asbestos in your property, please do not hesitate to contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for a free, no-obligation survey and quote. We are here to help you keep your property safe and asbestos-free.