Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was heavily used in construction and manufacturing for much of the 20th century. However, in recent decades, asbestos has become infamous for its health risks, especially its links to serious diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. But how dangerous is asbestos exposure really? And when does it make sense to hire professional asbestos surveyors to see if it’s present in your home? This article examines the real health risks of asbestos and provides advice on asbestos testing.
The Health Dangers of Asbestos
There are several diseases that have been conclusively linked to asbestos exposure, including:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Almost all cases are caused by asbestos.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure increases your risk of lung cancer, especially if you smoke as well.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease resulting from lung tissue scarring caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. The scarring leads to symptoms like shortness of breath and permanent damage to the lungs.
- Pleural Thickening: Thickening of the pleura (lining around the lungs) caused by asbestos exposure. This can restrict breathing.
The World Health Organization estimates that 107,000 people worldwide die each year from asbestos-related diseases. And experts say that asbestos exposure is responsible for about half of all mesothelioma cases.
Clearly, asbestos exposure is dangerous and can be fatal. That’s why managing asbestos properly is so important.
When to Hire Asbestos Surveyors
If you’re dealing with a building that was constructed prior to 1999, it’s wise to consider an asbestos survey. Asbestos was a common building material in older buildings, so there’s a good chance it’s present.
Here are some of the most common situations when you’ll want to hire professional asbestos surveyors near me:
- Before doing major renovations: Surveying for asbestos should be one of the first steps with an older building. That way you can safely remove any asbestos before work begins.
- When buying or selling a property: Surveys are recommended before any transfers of ownership. Again, this allows any asbestos risks to be addressed upfront.
- For general risk management: Building owners may want periodic asbestos surveys just to monitor any asbestos materials and ensure they remain undisturbed. This is part of good due diligence.
- After disasters or damage: Events like fires, floods, or storms can disturb asbestos in buildings. A survey after an incident can identify any new hazards.
The bottom line is that an asbestos surveyor can inspect your building and identify all asbestos. This allows you to implement plans to encapsulate, enclose, or safely remove the asbestos.
Choosing an Asbestos Survey Company
So, how do you select a qualified asbestos survey company? Here are a few tips:
- Check certifications: Your asbestos surveyors should have licences and certifications for asbestos surveying from qualified organisations. This ensures they are properly trained.
- Ask about experience: Find out how long the company has been conducting asbestos surveys and reports. More experience is better.
- Discuss scope of work: The surveyor should inspect the entire building and take samples for lab analysis when needed. Make sure you agree on the survey scope.
- Compare multiple quotes: Contact a few survey companies in your local area and compare rates and services. But don’t choose based on price alone.
- Read reviews: Look for online reviews to gauge the reputation and quality of the asbestos surveyors UK you’re considering. This can help avoid poor performers.
With an extensive and professional asbestos survey, you’ll fully understand any asbestos risks on your property. This makes it far easier to manage asbestos safely.
