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What Happens to Airborne Asbestos After Removal in Devon

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with various properties such as durability, heat resistance, and insulating capabilities. It was widely used in the construction industry for several decades before its harmful effects were known. Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, and exposure to it can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Due to its health hazards, asbestos has been banned in many countries, including the United Kingdom, but it is still present in many buildings, especially those constructed before the 1980s. Therefore, it is necessary to remove asbestos from these buildings to ensure the safety of the occupants.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an asbestos removal company in Devon that has been serving the residents of Devon, South West England, and England for many years. We specialize in the safe and affordable removal of asbestos from buildings, homes, and workplaces.

In this article, we will explain what happens to airborne asbestos after removal in Devon.

Asbestos Products

Before we dive into the topic of airborne asbestos, it is essential to understand what asbestos products are. Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry before being banned, and many buildings still contain asbestos products. These products include:

• Asbestos cement sheets
• Asbestos insulation
• Asbestos tiles
• Asbestos gaskets
• Asbestos lagging
• Asbestos coatings and paints

Health Hazards of Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos can cause severe health problems such as:

• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis
• Mesothelioma
• Pleural thickening
• Laryngeal cancer

The health hazards associated with asbestos exposure are due to the inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers can become trapped in the lungs and cause damage over time. The length of time between exposure and the onset of symptoms is known as the latency period.

Latency Period

The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can range from 10 to 50 years. This means that asbestos exposure may not cause immediate symptoms, but rather, it takes several years for the damage to become evident. This is why asbestos exposure is often described as a slow and silent killer.

Airborne Asbestos Fibers

When asbestos products are disturbed, either by drilling, cutting, or removal, the fibers become airborne. Airborne asbestos fibers can be inhaled and become trapped in the lungs, leading to several health problems.

Therefore, it is vital to take precautions when removing asbestos products to prevent the fibers from becoming airborne and potentially causing harm.

Sprayed Asbestos

Sprayed asbestos was commonly used in the construction industry as a form of insulation. It was applied by spraying a mixture of asbestos fibers and water onto surfaces such as walls and ceilings.

Sprayed asbestos is highly dangerous as the fibers can become easily airborne during removal. The potential release of asbestos fibers can put workers and occupants at risk of exposure.

Asbestos Removal Work

Asbestos removal work is classified as high-risk work, and specific procedures must be followed to ensure the safety of workers and occupants. The removal process includes several steps, including:

• Surveying the area to identify asbestos products
• Sealing off the area to prevent fibers from becoming airborne
• Wearing protective clothing and respiratory equipment
• Wetting the asbestos products to prevent fibers from becoming airborne
• Removing the asbestos products in a controlled manner
• Disposing of the asbestos products in a designated and licensed facility

Airborne Asbestos Exposures During Removal

Despite taking all the necessary precautions, there is still a risk of airborne asbestos exposures during removal. This can occur due to several reasons, such as:

• Equipment malfunction
• Human error
• Failure to follow proper procedures
• Unexpected asbestos products

Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the asbestos removal company you choose is experienced, trained, and licensed to perform the work.

What Happens to Airborne Asbestos After Removal?

Once the asbestos products have been removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any potential asbestos fibers. The cleaning process includes:

• Using a HEPA vacuum to remove any loose debris
• Wiping down surfaces with damp rags
• Conducting air quality tests to determine if any fibers are present

If air quality tests indicate the presence of asbestos fibers, the area will be cleaned again until the tests come back clear.

Asbestos Fibers in the Air

While the removal process is designed to minimize the release of asbestos fibers into the air, some fibers will still be present. These fibers can remain airborne for hours, and even days after removal, depending on several factors such as the weather, air circulation, and ventilation.

The presence of airborne asbestos fibers after removal is a cause for concern as they can potentially cause harm if inhaled. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and respiratory equipment, when entering an area that has undergone asbestos removal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause severe health problems when inhaled. The removal of asbestos products is vital to improve the safety of buildings, homes, and workplaces.

However, removing asbestos products can also lead to the release of asbestos fibers into the air, which can cause harm. Therefore, it is essential to choose an experienced, trained, and licensed asbestos removal company that follows proper procedures to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.

If you are in need of asbestos removal services in Devon, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help. We are a reliable and affordable asbestos removal company that prioritizes safety and customer satisfaction. To learn more, give us a call on 01962 458066 or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk.