Introduction

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1930s up until the 1980s in the UK. Its versatility and properties, such as its heat resistance and durability, made it a popular choice for the manufacturing of various items, including tiles and flooring. However, it was later discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can result in deadly diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

If you are living in Devon, South West England, and have concerns about asbestos tiles in your property, it is crucial to test them to assess the level of risk. In this landing page, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, Asbestos Testing Company In Devon, will guide you on how to test for asbestos tiles in Devon.

What Are Asbestos Tiles?

Asbestos tiles refer to any flooring material that contains asbestos fibers. These tiles were commonly used from the 1930s up until the 1980s when the UK banned the use of asbestos. There are two main types of asbestos tiles: vinyl asbestos tiles (VAT) and asphalt asbestos tiles.

Most VAT usually has a layer of asbestos sandwiched between two layers of vinyl. Whereas, asphalt asbestos tiles usually have a mixture of asbestos fibers and asphalt. Both types of asbestos tiles contain high levels of asbestos fibers and pose a risk to human health if not handled carefully.

Why Are Asbestos Tiles A Risk?

Asbestos tiles pose a risk to human health when fibers are released into the air and inhaled. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can lodge themselves into the lining of the lungs, leading to the development of serious health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Moreover, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers may not immediately lead to the development of symptoms. It may take several years, even decades, before symptoms appear, and by then, it may be too late for treatment.

How To Test For Asbestos Tiles In Devon

Testing for asbestos tiles in Devon is crucial to determine whether your property contains hazardous asbestos fibers. Here's how to test for asbestos tiles:

Step 1: Identify Your Flooring Material

Asbestos tiles may not always be easy to identify with the naked eye. It is essential to know the type of flooring material in your home or property. If your home was built before the 1980s, it is likely that your flooring may contain asbestos tiles, especially if it has not been renovated or updated.

Step 2: Collect A Sample

The most common way to test for asbestos tiles is by collecting a sample and sending it to an accredited testing laboratory for analysis. You will require a sampling kit and a respirator to protect yourself from inhaling any potential asbestos fibers. The kit can be obtained from a certified asbestos testing company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

Step 3: Send The Sample For Testing

Once you have collected the sample, you can send it for analysis to a UKAS accredited laboratory like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. The laboratory will test the sample and provide you with a report of the results. The report will indicate whether the sample contains asbestos fibers or not.

Asbestos Removal In Devon

If your asbestos tiles test positive for asbestos fibers, it is vital to ensure that they are safely removed from your property by a licensed asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Asbestos removal should not be attempted by an untrained or unlicensed individual as it is dangerous and can result in serious health consequences.

Professional asbestos removal companies use specialized equipment and procedures to ensure that asbestos fibers do not escape into the air during removal. The removal process typically involves the following steps:

• Preparation and Containment: The area must be properly sealed off, and all openings secured to prevent fibers from escaping into the surrounding area.
• Asbestos Removal: The tiles are removed using specialized tools and methods to reduce the release of fibers.
• Decontamination: All surfaces are cleaned thoroughly to remove any potential asbestos fibers that may have settled.
• Disposal: The asbestos-containing materials are safely disposed of according to the UK regulations on asbestos disposals.

Conclusion

Testing for asbestos tiles is crucial to ensure the safety of your home or property in Devon, South West England, and protect your health from the risks associated with prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. If you suspect that your flooring contains asbestos tiles, contact an accredited asbestos testing company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to help you safely identify and manage the risk.