Can I Stay In My House During Asbestos Removal In Sussex?

If you live in Sussex and suspect that your property contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), you may be wondering whether you need to vacate your home during asbestos removal. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious lung diseases such as mesothelioma when its fibers are inhaled. Hence, asbestos removal should only be carried out by qualified professionals who follow strict safety protocols to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a trusted asbestos removal company in Sussex with a team of trained and experienced experts who are dedicated to delivering safe and affordable asbestos removal services. We understand that you may have questions about asbestos and its removal, especially if you're a homeowner or a business owner. In this landing page, we will address some of the most commonly asked questions about asbestos removal in Sussex, including whether you can stay in your property during asbestos removal.

What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials and products because of its resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. Many buildings that were built before the 1990s contain asbestos in various forms, such as insulation, floor tiles, roof shingles, pipes, and cement. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can become airborne when materials containing asbestos are damaged or disturbed, releasing invisible and odorless dust particles into the air.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and cause scarring, inflammation, and other lung diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases can take several years, even decades, to develop, making it essential to minimize or eliminate exposure to asbestos.

How is asbestos identified?

Identifying asbestos-containing materials in your property is not easy, as asbestos fibers are microscopic and cannot be seen or smelled. However, some signs may indicate the presence of asbestos, such as:

• Your property was built before the 1990s when asbestos was extensively used in construction materials
• Some materials in your property may have a fibrous or crumbly texture or contain small holes.
• You may find different colored materials in your property that resemble cement or insulation.

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, you should contact a licensed asbestos surveyor in Sussex to conduct a survey and take samples of materials suspected of containing asbestos. The surveyor will send the samples for laboratory analysis and provide you with a detailed report that specifies the type, location, condition, and quantity of asbestos-containing materials in your property.

What types of asbestos are there?

Asbestos comes in six primary types that are classified into two main categories: serpentine and amphibole. Serpentine asbestos is curly and flexible, while amphibole asbestos is straight and stiff. The most common types are:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos) - a serpentine asbestos that is the most widely used type in the world.
• Amosite (brown asbestos) - an amphibole asbestos used in insulation, cement sheets, and pipes.
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos) - an amphibole asbestos used in insulation and cement pipes.

All types of asbestos are hazardous, and exposure to any kind can cause lung diseases. Therefore, it's crucial to have trained professionals handle asbestos removal safely and efficiently.

How do you know if a material contains asbestos?

It's almost impossible to determine if a material contains asbestos by looking at it, as asbestos fibers are microscopic. Therefore, it's essential to have a licensed asbestos surveyor test any materials you suspect contain asbestos. Here are the steps an asbestos surveyor will take to identify asbestos-containing materials:

• A visual inspection of the property to identify areas or materials that may contain asbestos.
• An assessment of the condition of the materials and how likely they are to release asbestos fibers when disturbed.
• The surveyor will use special sampling equipment to take a small amount of material suspected of containing asbestos.
• The samples are sent for laboratory analysis by trained professionals who will test and identify the type, quantity, and condition of asbestos present in the material.

Can asbestos removal cause mesothelioma?

Asbestos removal can cause mesothelioma if it's not done correctly. The removal process involves disturbing the asbestos-containing materials, which releases asbestos fibers into the air. If the workers don't wear protective gear or follow strict safety procedures, they may inhale asbestos fibers, which can cause mesothelioma and other lung diseases over time.

Therefore, it's essential to hire a licensed asbestos removal company in Sussex that has trained and experienced professionals who follow strict safety protocols to ensure that the removal process is done safely and efficiently. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and protective gear to perform asbestos removal without exposing our workers or our clients to asbestos fibers.

Can I stay in my house during asbestos removal?

The answer to this question depends on the extent and severity of the asbestos-containing materials in your property. Many factors determine whether you need to vacate your property during asbestos removal, such as:

• The type, location, and condition of the asbestos-containing materials in your property.
• The quantity of asbestos in the materials and how likely they are to release fibers when disturbed.
• The location of the area where the removal will take place, such as a large or small room, attic, or basement.
• The level of exposure risk to you or your family members, especially if any of you have pre-existing lung problems or allergies.

In most cases, you can stay in your property during asbestos removal, but you need to follow specific safety guidelines to minimize your exposure to asbestos fibers. For instance, you may need to relocate temporarily to a different area in your property, such as a guest room or basement, while asbestos removal takes place. You may also need to seal off any areas with asbestos-containing materials with plastic sheeting to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading.

Our licensed asbestos removal experts at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex will conduct a thorough survey of your property and provide you with detailed information on whether you need to vacate your property during asbestos removal. We understand the importance of minimizing disruption to your daily routine and will work closely with you to ensure a smooth and efficient asbestos removal process.

What happens to asbestos after removal?

After asbestos is removed from your property, it needs to be disposed of safely and legally in accordance with guidelines set by the local authorities. Asbestos waste is classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of at a licensed disposal site that can contain and transport asbestos safely.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide a complete asbestos removal and disposal service, including collecting and disposing of all asbestos waste after removal. We work closely with the local authorities to ensure that our disposal methods are safe for the environment and comply with all local regulations.

How can I contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

If you're in Sussex and suspect that your property contains asbestos, contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex for a comprehensive asbestos survey and removal service. Our trained and experienced professionals are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about asbestos removal and provide you with a free quote for our services.

You can contact us via phone on 01273 978238, email at [email protected], or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information about our asbestos removal services in Sussex and South East England.