Can You Test Asbestos in The Air in Sussex?

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in buildings for insulation, fireproofing, and other purposes until the 1990s. Unfortunately, it is now known to cause a variety of health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. This has led to a ban on the use of asbestos, but many older buildings still contain this hazardous material.

If you live or work in Sussex, you may be wondering if there is a way to test for asbestos in the air. The answer is yes, and Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can help. We are a professional asbestos testing company in Sussex, with years of experience in identifying and removing asbestos from buildings. In this article, we'll explain the basics of asbestos, the dangers it poses, and the importance of air testing.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry until the late 1980s. It has excellent fire-retardant and insulating properties, making it a popular choice for roofs, walls, ceilings, and pipes. There are three main types of asbestos:

• Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most common type of asbestos. It is found in serpentine rock formations and was widely used in the production of insulation materials, cement, and brake linings.

• Amosite, also known as brown asbestos, is a type of amphibole asbestos. It is found in Africa and was commonly used in insulation boards, ceiling tiles, and pipe insulation.

• Crocidolite, also known as blue asbestos, is the most dangerous type of asbestos. It is found in Australia and was used in the production of insulation, cement, and textiles.

Asbestos fibers are extremely small and can easily become airborne. When inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and cause serious health problems.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos is dangerous because its fibers can cause serious health problems when inhaled. These fibers can accumulate in the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. These diseases can take years or even decades to develop, which is why asbestos exposure is often called a "silent killer."

Even small amounts of asbestos can be dangerous. According to the Health and Safety Executive, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. If you suspect that your home or workplace contains asbestos, it is important to have it tested and, if necessary, removed by a professional asbestos removal company.

What is Asbestos Air Testing?

Asbestos air testing is the process of measuring the concentration of asbestos fibers in the air. This involves taking air samples from different parts of the building and analyzing them in a laboratory. The results of the air test will show how much asbestos is present in the air and whether it poses a health risk.

Air testing is important because asbestos fibers can become airborne during building work, renovations, or demolition. If you are planning to carry out any work on a building that may contain asbestos, it is essential to have an air test carried out first to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

How Does Asbestos Air Testing Work?

Asbestos air testing involves taking air samples from the building using a special pump and filter. The pumps are battery-powered and can be worn by the person taking the sample. The filter collects any airborne asbestos fibers and is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The laboratory will use a microscope to count the number of asbestos fibers present in each sample. The results will show how many fibers per cubic meter of air are present in the building. If the concentration of asbestos fibers is high, further testing may be needed to find the source of the asbestos and plan for its safe removal.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we understand how important it is to keep your home or workplace safe from the dangers of asbestos. That's why we offer a range of asbestos testing and removal services to suit your needs.

Our team of professionals has years of experience in identifying and removing asbestos from buildings across Sussex and the South East of England. We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that your building is free from asbestos and safe for you and your family or colleagues.

Contact Us Today

If you suspect that your home or workplace may contain asbestos, don't wait until it's too late. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today to arrange an asbestos air test or to discuss our range of asbestos removal services. You can call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.