How To Test If Something Is Asbestos In Devon

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the construction industry due to its heat resistance and durability properties. However, it was later discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, asbestos use was banned in the UK in 1999. Despite the ban, many buildings still contain asbestos materials, especially those constructed before 2000. Therefore, it is essential to test any material suspected to contain asbestos before any work or renovation takes place.

If you are unsure whether a material contains asbestos, it is important to contact a professional asbestos testing company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, to carry out the necessary testing. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable company based in Devon, south-west England, that provides reliable asbestos testing, removal, and disposal services at an affordable cost. This article will guide you through the materials that may contain asbestos, how to identify them, and what to do if you suspect asbestos in your home or workplace.

What is Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral with fibrous properties that was commonly used in the construction industry between the 1950s and 1990s. At the time, asbestos was seen as an ideal material for insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials due to its resistance to fire, electricity, and chemicals. However, it was later discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers could result in serious lung diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

There are three main types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, and all three are carcinogenic. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most commonly used form of asbestos, accounting for 95% of all asbestos used in the UK. It was commonly used in construction materials such as roofing sheets and insulation.

Amosite, also known as brown asbestos, is found in insulation products and cement sheets. Brown asbestos is considered more dangerous than white asbestos due to its longer fibers, making it harder for the body to expel. Crocidolite, also known as blue asbestos, is the rarest and most dangerous form of asbestos because its thin fibers are easily inhaled and can penetrate deeper into the lungs.

Materials that may contain asbestos

Many buildings constructed before 2000 may contain asbestos, and it is impossible to identify asbestos-containing materials by simply looking at them. The best and safest way to determine if a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a certified asbestos contractor, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. However, some common building materials that may contain asbestos include:

Insulation materials

Asbestos was often used as insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings, such as:

• Pipe and boiler insulation
• Loose-fill insulation
• Batt insulation
• Vermiculite insulation

If insulation materials contain asbestos, they can release fibers into the air, leading to asbestos exposure.

Flooring materials

Asbestos was widely used in floor products in the 20th century. Some common flooring materials that may contain asbestos fibers include:

• Floor tiles
• Vinyl flooring
• Adhesives
• Backing materials
• Underlayment

Flooring materials containing asbestos are generally considered non-friable, meaning that it does not easily crumble.

Roofing materials

Asbestos was commonly used in roofing materials such as:

• Roofing shingles and tiles
• Roof felt
• Roof patches
• Flashing

Roofing materials containing asbestos are generally considered non-friable, meaning that it does not easily crumble.

Cement products

Asbestos was widely used in cement products such as:

• Cement sheet
• Soffits
• Shingles
• Gutters and Downpipes

If asbestos-containing cement products are chipped, sawed or drilled, they can release fibers into the air, leading to asbestos exposure.

Other products that may contain asbestos include:

• Textured coatings
• Wallboard
• Joint compounds
• Fireproof materials
• Acoustic ceiling tiles
• Electrical components

How to identify asbestos

It is not possible to identify asbestos-containing materials by simply looking at them. Only through laboratory testing can you determine whether a material contains asbestos. Asbestos fibers are microscopic, making them hard to detect, and exposure to asbestos fibers can have serious health consequences.

Therefore, it is essential to contact a licensed asbestos testing company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, if you suspect that you have asbestos-containing materials. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can provide a professional asbestos survey in Devon to identify potential asbestos-containing materials in your property.

What to do if you suspect asbestos

If you suspect asbestos in your home, office, or commercial building, it is essential to seek professional help from certified asbestos removal companies. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon has a team of highly experienced and qualified asbestos experts who can identify, test, and safely remove any asbestos-containing materials.

If you believe a material contains asbestos, it should be left undisturbed and not cut or drilled in any way. Any damage can release asbestos fibers into the air, leading to asbestos exposure. It's essential to take immediate actions and contact a certified asbestos contractor such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

Safe Asbestos Testing with Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your building, it's important to seek professional help. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon are an asbestos testing company in Devon that provides a reliable and cost-effective asbestos testing service for both commercial and domestic properties.

Our team of certified experts uses high-quality equipment and can perform asbestos tests on different materials to identify if they contain asbestos. We also offer a full range of asbestos management services, from survey and testing to removal and disposal, to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe from asbestos exposure.

Contact Us

Contact us today if you need any advice or you need to book your asbestos survey in Devon. You can call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for a free, no-obligation quote. You can also visit our website for more information on our services: affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can have severe health effects, and it is critical to identify and remove it from your property immediately. If you suspect asbestos in your home, office, or commercial building, get in touch with Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Our team of experienced and certified asbestos experts can safely remove any asbestos-containing materials in your property and provide you with complete peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable asbestos testing and removal services.