Should Asbestos Floor Tiles Be Removed In Devon

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been extensively used in the construction industry, mainly for its insulation and fire-retardant properties. Asbestos is commonly found in building materials such as ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, roofing, and cement, among others. However, the prolonged exposure to asbestos is known to cause several health problems like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, among others.

Devon, a county in South West England, has a considerable number of older buildings, and many of them may contain asbestos. As such, one of the major concerns is whether asbestos floor tiles should be removed? As a professional asbestos removal company in Devon, we have been asked this question quite often. In this article, we will be discussing whether asbestos floor tiles should be removed in Devon and the reasons behind our view.

About Asbestos

Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring mineral fibers, including amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily become airborne when disturbed. Once inhaled, the fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause serious harm.

Asbestos was extensively used in the construction industry between the 1950s and 1980s, mainly for insulation and fireproofing purposes. However, once the unhealthiness of asbestos was discovered, its use has been heavily regulated, and its removal and disposal require a licensed professional.

About Asbestos Floor Tiles

Asbestos floor tiles are a common building material that has been used in the construction of many older buildings, including schools, hospitals, and offices. Asbestos floor tiles were manufactured from the 1920s up to the 1980s and were popular due to their affordability, durability, and fire-resistant properties.

The problem with asbestos floor tiles is that over time, they can become worn, broken or damaged, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. The fibers can then be inhaled and ingested, which can cause long-term health problems. So, what are the benefits and risks of removing asbestos floor tiles in Devon?

Benefits of Removing Asbestos Floor Tiles

Removing asbestos floor tiles can have several benefits, including:

Reduce Future Health Risks

As mentioned earlier, asbestos exposure can cause several serious health problems like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. By removing asbestos floor tiles, the risk of future airborne exposure can be eliminated, reducing the risk of these health problems.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Asbestos fibers can remain in the air for an extended period, especially when disturbed. Removal of asbestos floor tiles will significantly reduce the amount of asbestos fiber concentration in the air, thus improving indoor air quality.

Add Value to Property

Removing asbestos floor tiles is one of the best investments owners of older buildings can make. Property buyers are now more informed and are willing to pay a premium for asbestos-free properties. Removing asbestos floor tiles is, therefore, a wise investment that can increase the property value.

Risks of Removing Asbestos Floor Tiles

While the benefits of removing asbestos floor tiles are clear, there are also risks that need to be considered, including:

Cost

Asbestos removal is not cheap. The cost of removing asbestos floor tiles varies based on the extent of the problem, the amount of asbestos involved, and the level of contamination. The cost of removing asbestos floor tiles can range from a few hundred pounds to many thousands of pounds.

Property Damage

Removing asbestos floor tiles can be an invasive process that can cause damage to the building structure. As such, considerable care must be taken during the process to prevent damaging the building structure.

Disposal Regulations

Asbestos is classified as hazardous waste and cannot be disposed of like other waste. Disposing of asbestos waste improperly is illegal and can lead to hefty fines. As such, a licensed asbestos removal company in Devon must be hired to remove and dispose of asbestos waste properly.

Should Asbestos Floor Tiles Be Removed in Devon?

As a professional asbestos removal company in Devon, we highly recommend the removal of asbestos floor tiles for the following reasons:

First and foremost, the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos far outweigh the cost of removing asbestos floor tiles. Although the process can be expensive, it is a wise investment that eliminates future health problems.

Secondly, the value of properties that are asbestos-free has significantly increased due to the awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure. As such, removing asbestos floor tiles adds value to properties.

Finally, removing asbestos floor tiles is not as disruptive as you might think. A professional asbestos removal company can complete the job with minimal disruption to your daily activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we highly recommend the removal of asbestos floor tiles in Devon due to the long-term health problems associated with asbestos exposure. Removing asbestos floor tiles is not only a wise investment, but it also adds value to properties. As a professional asbestos removal company in Devon, our team is highly qualified and experienced in the removal and treatment of asbestos waste, ensuring that it is disposed of safely and correctly.

If you are looking for reliable, affordable asbestos removal in Devon, contact our team today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. We are a licensed, professional asbestos removal company in Devon that can help you with all your asbestos problems. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information.