What Happens When You Test For Asbestos in Devon?

Are you aware that your home or workplace may contain asbestos? Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely used in construction materials from the 1940s through the 1970s. Despite its usefulness, it is highly dangerous and can cause serious health problems, including cancer, when inhaled.

To be sure that you and your family or co-workers are not at risk of exposure to asbestos, it is imperative to test for asbestos. In this article, we will discuss what happens when you test for asbestos in Devon, and why you should rely on Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for all of your asbestos testing and removal requirements.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an asbestos testing company in Devon. Our highly trained professionals use advanced techniques to identify and remove asbestos from your property efficiently and effectively. Our team of experts is dedicated to offering affordable, safe, and reliable asbestos removal services that ensure your home and workplace are safe.

Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing is the only way to know for sure whether your property contains asbestos. If you are planning to undertake renovations, it is essential to carry out testing to identify and remove any identified asbestos. Our experienced team can assess whether you need to test for asbestos and help you with the process.

We use advanced testing techniques such as microscopy that can detect asbestos at its most microscopic level. Once we have collected a sample from your property, we will send it to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. This testing process may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the number of samples required and their size.

The Lungs and Exposure to Asbestos

When asbestos fibers enter the lungs, they cause serious health problems. The effects of asbestos exposure can take decades to manifest, and once they do, there is no cure. Asbestos fibers can cause scarring of the lungs, leading to lung disease such as asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that makes it hard for patients to breathe. Asbestos also causes mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that starts in the lining of the lungs.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that can spread rapidly to other parts of your body. It has no cure and has a high mortality rate. The latency period for developing mesothelioma is 20-50 years, meaning that the chances of developing cancer increase the longer you are exposed to asbestos fibers.

Home Asbestos Testing

Testing your home for asbestos is essential, especially if it was built before the year 2000. You should consider testing for asbestos if you are planning renovations or have noticed any signs of damage or deterioration to your property. Even if you are not planning any renovations, asbestos testing can give you peace of mind that your home is safe.

Home asbestos testing should be carried out by a qualified expert. A professional will take samples of your property and send them to an accredited laboratory for testing. Once the results come back, they will provide you with a report detailing the presence or absence of asbestos in your home.

The Must-Knows for Patients with Asbestos-Related Diseases

For patients who have already been diagnosed with asbestosis, mesothelioma, or another asbestos-related disease, it is essential to understand that there are support and resources available.

Many charities and organizations are dedicated to raising awareness of asbestos-related diseases and offering support to patients and their families. These charities and organizations can provide financial assistance, counseling services, and advice for legal matters related to asbestos litigation.

Imaging Scans for Asbestos

Imaging scans, such as pleural imaging scans, are commonly used to diagnose asbestos-related diseases. When you are exposed to asbestos, it can cause scarring of the lining of the lungs, leading to plaque build-up. A pleural imaging scan can help detect the presence of this plaque, which is a sign of exposure to asbestos.

Imaging scans are an essential part of the diagnosis and treatment of asbestos-related diseases. They can help healthcare professionals identify the extent of damage caused by asbestos fibers and determine what treatment options are best for the patient.

Asbestosis Diagnosis

Asbestosis is a debilitating disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. The disease is characterized by scarring of the lungs, which can make it difficult to breathe. Asbestosis is a life-long condition and has no cure.

A diagnosis of asbestosis can be made using a combination of imaging scans, lung function tests, and a patient's medical history. If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing breathing difficulties, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral fiber that can cause serious health problems, including cancer, when inhaled. Asbestos testing is essential to determine whether your property contains asbestos and to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. If you suspect your property contains asbestos, call Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a test.

Our team of experts will provide you with professional and affordable asbestos testing, removal, and disposal services to keep you and your family safe. Don't put yourself or your family at risk of exposure to asbestos call Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today.

References:

Blanc, P. D., & Torn, K. (2019). Asbestos exposure and asbestosis: looking back and forward. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 199(6), 724727.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2019, December 20). Asbestos. Retrieved January 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asbestos/default.html

Asbestos Removal and Abatement Contractors Association. (2020). Asbestos in buildings: Understanding the risks. Retrieved January 2023, from https://www.arca.org.uk/asbestos-in-buildings-understanding-the-risks/

Mesothelioma UK. (2021). Asbestos and mesothelioma. Retrieved January 2023, from https://www.mesothelioma.uk.com/mesothelioma/asbestos-mesothelioma/