What Is The Most Risky Type Of Asbestos Removal In Devon?

Asbestos has been used as a building material for centuries due to its heat-resistant properties. However, research in the 20th century revealed a correlation between asbestos exposure and lung cancer, leading to the banning of all asbestos-containing materials in 1999 in the UK. Despite the ban, asbestos still poses a danger to public health, specifically during its removal.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a Devon-based asbestos removal company dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents in the South West of England. In this article, we will discuss the most risky type of asbestos removal in Devon, as well as the dangers of asbestos exposure and measures to take to secure a safe asbestos removal project.

Introduction to Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral comprising of thin fibres, which are inexpensive, flexible, and heat-resistant. The mineral was widely used in the construction of buildings, especially after World War II, and up until the ban imposed in 1999.

When asbestos is damaged, its fibres become airborne, and inhalation of these fibres can cause a range of respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Asbestos can be found in various building materials, including insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, asbestos cement roofing, and chimneys.

The Risks of Asbestos Removal

The removal of asbestos is a labour-intensive and dangerous process due to the potential health risks involved. The primary danger of asbestos removal is the release of asbestos fibres into the air, posing a risk of inhalation by workers and nearby residents.

Exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibres can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, cancer and even death, making asbestos removal a task that should only be performed by trained professionals following strict regulations.

The Most Risky Type of Asbestos Removal in Devon

There are two main types of asbestos removal: Friable and Non-friable asbestos removal.

Non-friable asbestos removal refers to asbestos-containing materials that are firmly bound in a non-friable matrix material such as cement or resin. Examples of non-friable asbestos-containing material include asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles, and roofing shingles. Non-friable asbestos-containing materials can break or crack, which can lead to the release of asbestos fibres into the air.

However, Friable asbestos is the most risky type of asbestos removal in Devon. Friable asbestos is loosely bound and can be easily crumbled in hand to release asbestos fibres. Examples of friable asbestos-containing materials include pipe insulation, spray-on fireproofing, and insulation blankets. The ease of breakage means that it can be quickly released into the air if the material is mishandled during removal.

The Dangers of Friable Asbestos Removal

Friable asbestos removal is an extremely hazardous task that requires skilled and experienced professionals. If a property contains friable asbestos-containing material, urgent professional removal is necessary to prevent the release of dangerous asbestos fibres.

The release of asbestos fibres into the air can expose workers and nearby residents to high levels of asbestos fibres, leading to severe health complications. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

If you suspect that you have friable asbestos in your property or building, it is crucial to seek professional asbestos removal immediately.

Measures to Take for Safe Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal must follow strict safety guidelines to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

• Identify All Asbestos-Containing Materials: Before beginning a removal project, it's important to have a thorough inspection of the entire property to identify any asbestos-containing materials.

• Hire Trained Professionals: The job of asbestos removal requires training and experience. Therefore, it is essential to hire a qualified asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to handle all aspects of the project.

• Follow the Correct Asbestos Removal Procedures: Professional asbestos companies follow strict safety guidelines and procedures to prevent the release of dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.

• Properly Dispose of Asbestos Materials: Professionals dispose of asbestos waste safely and carefully, preventing others from being exposed to hazardous asbestos fibres.

• Monitor Air Quality after Asbestos Removal: After asbestos removal, air quality should be monitored to ensure all asbestos fibres have been removed, and no danger remains.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Friable asbestos is the most risky type of asbestos removal in Devon. Asbestos removal is a dangerous and labour-intensive task that should only be handled by trained professionals following strict safety protocols. If you suspect that you have friable asbestos-containing material, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon immediately.

We understand the dangers of asbestos removal and aim to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our clients and the public. Contact us via phone (01962 458066) or email ([email protected]) to arrange a thorough asbestos inspection or removal project. Visit our website (affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk) to learn more about our services.