Do I Have To Have Asbestos Removed In Sussex?

Asbestos was commonly used in a wide range of building materials, especially during the mid-20th century. It was popular due to its fire-resistant, insulating, and durable properties. However, it was soon discovered that asbestos fibers are extremely harmful when inhaled. Asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases if they get into the body.

If you live in Sussex, South East England or any other part of England, and suspect that you have asbestos-containing material (ACM) in your home, you may wonder if you have to have it removed. The answer is not straightforward since it depends on several factors. But first, let's discuss what asbestos is and how it can be harmful.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for various applications, including building materials, car brakes, and insulation. The asbestos fibers are small and can become airborne when materials containing asbestos are disturbed, such as during renovation or demolition. When inhaled, these fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause serious respiratory problems over time.

Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, so any building material containing asbestos should be considered potentially hazardous. However, not all ACMs pose the same level of risk. Whether or not you need to have asbestos removed will depend on the amount and type of asbestos-containing material.

Do I Have To Have Asbestos Removed?

The presence of asbestos-containing material in your home does not necessarily mean that it needs to be removed. Asbestos removal is required only if there is a risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibers due to damage, decay, or disturbance of the materials.

The removal of asbestos should be carried out by a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company to ensure the safety of both you and the surrounding environment. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a licensed and professional asbestos removal company in Sussex with years of experience in the field. We have the expertise and knowledge to handle all types of asbestos removals safely and efficiently.

What Types of Asbestos-Containing Material (ACMs) Need Removal?

As mentioned earlier, not all ACMs pose the same level of risk. However, some types of ACMs must be removed due to their high risk of disturbing and releasing airborne fibers. These include:

Friable Asbestos

Friable asbestos is any material containing asbestos that can easily be crumbled or pulverized into a fine powder by hand. Friable asbestos is highly dangerous because it can easily release fibers into the air when disturbed.

Damaged ACMs

If an ACM is damaged, decayed, or weathered, it may easily release asbestos fibers into the air. Any damaged ACM must be repaired or removed immediately to prevent the release of asbestos fibers.

ACMs Involved in Demolition or Renovation

If you are planning to demolish or renovate your property that contains ACMs, you must have them removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Demolition or renovation work can cause significant disturbance to ACMs and can lead to the release of harmful fibers into the air.

What Types of Asbestos-Containing Material (ACMs) Don't Need Removal?

Not all ACMs pose a risk to human health. Some ACMs can be left undisturbed and pose no significant risk. These include:

Non-Friable Asbestos

Non-friable asbestos is material containing asbestos that cannot easily be crumbled or pulverized by hand. Non-friable asbestos is not considered high-risk and can remain in place if it's not damaged or disturbed.

Encapsulated Asbestos

Encapsulated asbestos refers to ACMs that have been coated, sealed or enclosed in another material to prevent the release of fibers. Encapsulated asbestos is considered safe as long as its integrity is not compromised.

Sealed Asbestos

Sealed asbestos refers to asbestos-containing material that has been sealed with a sealant product to prevent the release of fibers. Sealed asbestos is not considered high-risk and can remain in place if it's not damaged or disturbed.

Conclusion

Asbestos can be dangerous and harmful to human health, but not all asbestos-containing material poses a risk. If you suspect that you have ACMs in your home or property, it is important to have them inspected by a licensed asbestos removal contractor in Sussex. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can assess the risk of asbestos-containing materials in your property and provide professional and affordable asbestos removal services, offering you peace of mind and a safer home.

Give us a call at 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to get a no-obligation quote or to schedule an inspection. Our website, reliable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk, also provides detailed information on our services and asbestos removal processes. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to asbestos-containing materials.