Asbestos may be thought of as a material that was used and banned many years ago, but the fact is that it is still present in homes and buildings to this day, and that it continues to kill around 5,000 workers every year.
Around 1.5 million commercial buildings in the UK are known to contain asbestos, as well as half the homes built in this country before the year 2000, almost all hospitals in London, 80% of UK schools and 74% of universities. And with approximately 20 tradespeople dying each week due to past exposure, it is clear that asbestos remains to be a killer problem. But just why is asbestos dangerous, and how to tell if you are at risk?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was used in construction and other industries for the likes of roofing, flooring and insulation, as well as being sprayed on ceilings and walls as a decorative finish. Because of its thermal and fireproof qualities as well as its durability and low cost, it was thought to be a useful product, until its dangers were discovered and it was eventually banned completely by 1999.
So why is asbestos dangerous? Intact, asbestos poses little risk. But it is when it is disrupted or damaged that it starts to become a health hazard.
When asbestos is disturbed, its microscopic fibres are released into the air. If these fibres are inhaled into the lungs, they can cause damage to their lining, as well as a range of serious diseases.
The trouble is that asbestos related diseases are rarely detected early on. They often take many years to develop and show any symptoms, by which time it is usually too late for treatment to be effective.
The inhalation of asbestos fibres into the lungs can lead to the following serious and sometimes fatal diseases:
Asbestos-related lung cancer looks the same as lung cancer that has been caused by the likes of smoking, but is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. The two main types of asbestos lung cancer are small cell lung cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer.
Asbestosis is a scarring of the lungs that usually happens following heavy exposure to asbestos over a long period of time. The condition can cause progressive shortness of breath, a persistent cough, chest pain and wheezing and can eventually prove fatal.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which specifically affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura), as well as the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is almost solely caused by exposure to asbestos and, by the time it is diagnosed, which can often be anything from 20 to 30 years following exposure, it is nearly always fatal.
Pleural thickening involves the thickening and swelling of the lining of the lungs due to scar tissue, and usually occurs following heavy exposure to asbestos over an extended period of time. It is not always serious and doesn’t always impact lifespan, however, if the condition worsens, so the lungs can become squeezed, causing shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Pleural thickening can also be a sign of mesothelioma.
If you work in certain industries, such as maintenance, construction, refurbishment and similar trades, you may be at a greater risk of asbestos exposure, particularly if you have not had any training in recognising and working safely with asbestos, or a risk assessment has not been carried out so that the risks can be effectively controlled.
The problem is that you cannot see or smell asbestos, making it impossible to identify its presence without the intervention of a licensed asbestos contractor. The other major issue is that you won’t immediately suffer any symptoms of exposure, as the effects can take years to develop. So you may not even be aware that you have come into contact with the material.
The risks are at their greatest in buildings that were constructed prior to 2000, and where demolition or refurbishment is underway.
If the asbestos is in good condition and is not going to be damaged, then it should not prove be a hazard. Homeowners therefore will not usually need to worry unless they are planning DIY or renovations which could potentially disturb any existing asbestos in the property.
There are more than 5,000 products known to contain asbestos and, whilst it is impossible to confirm its presence without licensed asbestos testing, there are certain materials and decorative finishes that are likely to contain asbestos.
So, if you suspect asbestos is present, but you are not planning any works that may disturb it, then all you need to do is periodically check the materials to monitor their condition, and then take action should you notice any deterioration.
You will need to avoid activities such as drilling, hammering, sawing or sanding around asbestos-containing materials and, if you decide to carry out any major repairs or upgrades, then you will need to call in a licensed asbestos contractor to confirm its presence and then put a plan in place as to what to do next.
For commercial properties, it is a legal requirement to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Now you know the answer to the question, why is asbestos dangerous, you may be eager to ascertain whether asbestos is present in your residential or commercial premises so that you can take the necessary precautions.
At Advance Asbestos Removal, we have been assisting householders, landlords and commercial property managers with asbestos testing and removal services since 1984. Our team is speedy, efficient, helpful and dependable, and all UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) trained.
If you’re based in Surbiton, our local licensed surveyors and removal team can help — see our Surbiton asbestos removal service for details.
If you’re based in Tolworth, our local licensed surveyors and removal team can help — see our Tolworth asbestos removal service for details.
We guarantee a professional service with minimal disruption and complete legal compliance. To discover more about our service and how it all works, or to request your free, no-obligation quotation, please contact us today.
Ditton House, 59 Fleece Road, Long Ditton, Surrey, KT6 5JR
Established in 1984 With Over 30 Years Experience. Call: 07759 018402
