Asbestos exposure commonly happens in work environments. However, there is also a high risk of asbestos exposure in the home. With this, you must take safety precautions to avoid its negative impact   your health. Meanwhile, you must also know about the basics of asbestos exposure to protect yourself and your family from its potential risks. To know more about it, read this article up to the end.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is the silicate mineral that comes with tiny fibers that produce dust if disturbed. If you accidentally inhale it, it can affect your lungs and possibly develop health issues such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. It is said that the homes built in Australia in 1990 contain asbestos.

Asbestos can damage your health and the health of your family. With this, you must make fast action to remove asbestos in your home. Asbestos can be present in your home if you are not confident in removing asbestos; it is a good idea to contact a professional and licensed asbestos removal service provider.

This dangerous mineral is commonly used in building materials way back in the 1940s and late 1980s. It is a primary material used in building a home because of its efficient insulation, durability, and fire-resistant properties. The safety of your family is important, so you must be aware of the asbestos presence in your home.

Asbestos products that can be found at home

Asbestos can be found at home in the following products:

• Artificial brick cladding

• Exterior fiber cement cladding (fibro or AC) and weatherboards

• Flue pipes

• Corrugated cement roofing

• Flexible building boards – bathroom linings, eave linings, and cement tile underlay

• Textured paint

• Architectural cement pipe columns

• Vinyl floor tiles and coverings

Furthermore, asbestos can also be used as the following:

• Insulation in stoves

• Insulation on hot water pipes

• Ceiling insulation products

• Insulation in old domestic heaters

If asbestos can be found in your home, you must take safety precaution in removing it.

You must follow the tips to remove asbestos in your home.

• Wear hat, gloves and disposable overall

• Work in a well-ventilated area

• Wear a half-face disposable particulate respirator, or half-face filter respirator fitted with dust/particulate cartridge appropriate for asbestos.

• Wet the asbestos surface to lessen the risk of dust particles floating in the air

• Try not to break  the sheets as you eliminate them

• Place the sheets on the ground

• Use a wet mop if you sweep

• Vacuum the area using a vacuum cleaner that is designed for asbestos fiber collection. This cleaner must be fitted with HEPA or high-efficiency particle air filter that conforms to the Australian Standard 4260. Seal and bag the vacuum waste and dispose of it properly in an approved disposal facility.

• After the cleaning process, you must make sure to wash your hands and take a shower when you remove the asbestos.

If you are not confident removing asbestos in your own, it is a wise decision to seek the help of a professional asbestos removal company. With this, you have peace of mind about the possible risks of asbestos exposure.