Tag Archive for: Asbestos Removal Bundaberg

6 (Scary) Facts About Asbestos You Should Know

You are probably already aware of the dangers of asbestos and that it has been linked to various diseases, including cancer.

You might also be aware that this material took over the spotlight before the 90s because of its cost-effectiveness, strength, insulation, and waterproofing capabilities.

But do you know that there are many other scary things that the asbestos companies never wanted you to find out?

Below are some shocking facts you should know about asbestos to stay informed and keep your family safe.

1. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral mined by Asbestos companies

By looking at it, you might be tempted to think that asbestos is a manufactured product. The truth is that it comes from several fibrous silicate minerals, which are mined in Canada, South Africa, and North America. 

The reason asbestos is so harmful, is because it is comprised of needle-like fibres, which are extremely toxic when they get into your lungs and body.

2. There are 6 different kinds of asbestos

Asbestos comes in six types:

  • Amosite (brown asbestos)
  • Chrysotile (white asbestos)
  • Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
  • Anthophyllite
  • Actinolite
  • Tremolite

Because of its chemical and physical properties, chrysotile is the most common type of asbestos. It is highly flexible and can resist alkaline reactions and insane levels of heat. 

Chrysotile is mostly blended with cement and used in ceilings, walls, floors, and roofs of commercial and residential properties.

Crocidolite is another common asbestos that was used in cement sheets and thermal insulation because of its strength and high heat resistance. It is also regarded as the most dangerous among all other types of asbestos.

Amosite is highly resistant to heat and was widely used in making fire-resistant and anti-condensation products. 

3. Asbestos was used in a wide range of products that you have probably been in contact with yourself

Asbestos was commercially used for various purposes, especially fireproofing, acoustics, insulation, and anti-condensation buildings. 

As certified asbestos removalists in Bundaberg, we have seen it used in a broad range of products, including:

  • Paper
  • Yarn and ropes
  • Mattress insulation
  • Gaskets and reinforced plastics
  • Cement, roofing, and tiles
  • Spray-on coatings, sealants, and adhesives
  • Toothpaste (shocking!) and Talcum powder
  • Bricks and drywall compounds
  • Car brake linings
  • Linen, felt, cloth, fabrics, and a myriad of other textile materials
  1. Asbestos can cause deadly damages to the human body

The main reason why residential and commercial asbestos removal companies still exist is because asbestos was used in so many homes and businesses in Bundaberg until the late 90s. 

The 1920s experienced a boom in the use of asbestos. A few years later, reports of its health concerns emerged. In 1924, the first case of lung cancer linked to asbestos was published in the British Medical Journal, but doctors and researchers were hesitant to prove the claim.

After many years of research, it emerged that asbestos, especially its dust, could not be broken down by the human anatomy; thus, it causes severe scarring, inflammation, and even genetic damage.

What makes asbestos even more dangerous is that it is a carcinogen (a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue), hence exposure to it, even in small amounts, could result in asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer.

If you work in an environment where you are regularly exposed to asbestos, or worse, if you are living in a home containing asbestos, it is recommended that you have a screening test annually, since symptoms of exposure may not manifest themselves for up to 15 years.

Don’t forget that asbestos kills more people than road accidents. Therefore, if you live in an old home, it is prudent to call a residential asbestos removals company to safely remove this product and make your home a safe place for everyone.

4. Asbestos is now banned in many countries

Many countries around the world have banned the use of asbestos because of their adverse effects on the human body.

Some of the countries where this product is banned include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and the UK. 

Some countries are hesitant to ban the product and have instead regulated its use. Some of these countries include Thailand, China, and Russia.

However, asbestos is still legal in some countries, including India, most parts of South America, and even in the United States.

5. Asbestos should be handled with care

Asbestos is not your usual product. If you have to handle it, then you need to do so with a lot of care.

In case you cannot hire an asbestos removalist in Bundaberg to take care of this product for you, or you work in an environment where you are exposed to it in any way, there are several things you can do to minimise the risk:

  • Always turn off the air conditioning
  • Wear suitable protective gear
  • Keep asbestos surfaces wet to prevent the spread of dust
  • Take a shower before going home
  • Always wash your clothes

DO NOT sweep or vacuum asbestos fibres or dust because it will emit harmful particles into the air. Also, avoid smoking, eating, or drinking in an asbestos-inhabited area. 

Remember, you are the most important person in your life. Therefore, protect yourself and your family from exposure, and you will live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

For a free, no-obligation asbestos removal quote, click here or give our friendly team a call to discuss your needs.

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How To Protect Your Family From Asbestos Exposure

Throughout the 20th century, asbestos was utilised in an array of occupational settings. This is mainly because compared to other materials, this mineral was easy to blend into products, highly inexpensive, and rode along with fireproofing and insulating capabilities. 

Surprisingly, the dangers of asbestos were known world-over in the early 1930s, but a myriad of industries still used them widely until the late 1970s when governments started to restrict its use.

Today, people are still exposed to asbestos. Yes, even though this product is no longer in use for properties built today, you can inhale it unknowingly. When this happens, you risk getting deadly diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma Prognosis.

More often than not, people are exposed to asbestos by inhaling airborne asbestos fibres, which emanate from disturbing materials that contain asbestos.

Even though stringent measures are now in place to prevent asbestos from being used, the bad news is that there is still a high chance of being exposed to this harmful mineral. Luckily, there are several tips recommended by the best asbestos removalists that can help you and your family stay safe in your Bundaberg home. Be sure to also read through our Asbestos FAQs to stay informed.

If work in an asbestos environment, wear a face mask

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when working in an environment where asbestos is a threat is to overlook the importance of protective clothing.

Whether you work in an asbestos removal company or another job that exposes you to asbestos, it’s your duty to ensure you wear a face mask or respirator that is specially made to protect against dust, gases, and a host of other toxic substances.

You need to remember that not all masks can protect you from asbestos. Ensure that the one you acquire has a HEPA filter, and is designed to suit the purpose.

Remember, no amount of asbestos is too little to harm your body. Therefore, don’t assume that you are not exposed to “as much” asbestos in your line of work and fail to wear a mask. 

As long as you work in an environment where exposure to this product is a constant threat, always have a protective asbestos mask on!

Asbestos Safe Face Mask

Take a shower when you get home

At work, the asbestos fibres you have been exposed to all day will come home with you.

They will be attached to your clothes, skin, and hair. Therefore, they will pose a danger to you and the people you get in close contact with, especially the young ones.

It is, therefore, critical to take a shower after work.  In fact, companies that provide asbestos abatement solutions are required to have showering facilities on site.

If you can, take a shower at work and go home asbestos-free. By doing this, you will go a long mile in protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Wash work clothes before taking them home

After a day of exposure to asbestos, don’t travel home with your work clothes if they are not washed.

In case your company doesn’t have cleaning facilities, and you have to wash the clothes at home, change into uncontaminated clothes, and secure the contaminated ones in a sealed bag.  

While washing, keep in mind that wet asbestos fibres cannot be airborne. Therefore, rinse contaminated clothes with water before washing them with soap. 

Avoid disturbing dust

One of the quickest ways of getting exposed to asbestos is by disturbing dust. To prevent this, do not engage in activities such as sawing, shovelling, sweeping, and other similar activities in an ecosystem characterized by asbestos. In case you must perform any of these activities, constantly apply water on the surface to avert the release of harmful fibres.

Keep yourself informed

keeping yourself informed is one of the wisest things you can do to protect yourself from asbestos exposure. Do a thorough research and find out the products that contain this mineral, and locations in your workplace where you are likely to find it.

By suspecting or identifying the presence of asbestos, you will be in a better place to take extra precautions and stay safe!

Final thoughts

Exposure to asbestos is a ticket to bad health and can be deadly in worse cases. Fortunately, you can use the tips outlined above to protect yourself from the dangers of this harmful product.

In addition to the methods above, employers can protect their employees by hiring a commercial asbestos removal company in Bundaberg, like us, to safely remove this harmful product from any business setting or commercial property.

Similarly, if you own a home built before the 90s, there is a high chance that it contains asbestos. You need to find a reliable domestic asbestos removal company right away to get rid of it and protect you and your loved ones from its unforgiving effects. 

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The Evil Dust – Shocking History Of Asbestos

100 years ago, asbestos became known as a magic mineral and the use of millions of tons of asbestos created a very profitable industry. And for almost as long, the industry has known that asbestos is extremely dangerous to people, which has raised a lot of questions about asbestos and its use.

This documentary is part of the international awarded series, “Late Lessons from Early Warnings”, which explores how we have been able to respond to warnings about the hazards posed by some of the greatest technological innovations of the last century.

We have not always been that successful. Even today, asbestos is present in many homes and commercial buildings. Chances are that your home was built using the harmful mineral.

If you need a professional to evaluate the risks of asbestos in your Bundaberg home or business, give Pitch-Perfect Roofers a call. We are Bundaberg’s trusted asbestos removal company and can help you remove asbestos in your home or commercial property safely and reliably.

Get an Asbestos Removal Quote Online

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