Does Dry Cleaning Remove Asbestos in Sussex?

Introduction

Asbestos has been a health hazard for over a century, with numerous studies confirming its carcinogenic effects. It was used extensively as a building material and insulation in the UK until it was banned in 1999. This meant that many older buildings still pose a risk to the public due to the presence of asbestos.

Asbestos fibres are so small, they can easily embed into clothing or any fabric and remain there for an extended period. This means that workers who come into contact with asbestos, such as builders and electricians, can unknowingly carry these dangerous fibres home on their clothing, putting their families at risk of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Workers and Their Clothing

Workers who are exposed to asbestos should change into clothes that can be laundered at their place of work before heading home. However, If they wear standard clothing, it could become contaminated with asbestos fibres. Workers who have regularly worked in areas with asbestos-containing materials might want to consider using disposable coveralls instead of standard work clothes. This is because asbestos fibres can become permanently embedded in clothing.

The risk of asbestos exposure extends beyond just the clothing of workers who handle the hazardous mineral. Even family and loved ones of workers in these sectors can be at risk of secondary asbestos exposure since the fibres can move through the air and reach other people.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure can cause various health problems, the most severe of which is mesothelioma. This is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and the abdominal cavity. Asbestos fibres are the leading cause of mesothelioma, which develops years after asbestos exposure. This highlights the risk of working with asbestos-containing products.

Most workers who have worked with asbestos and have developed mesothelioma do not experience any symptoms for 20 to 40 years. Similarly, family members of asbestos workers may not develop mesothelioma symptoms for several years after exposure to asbestos.

Washing Clothes and Asbestos Fibers

When asbestos fibres embed themselves in clothing, the removal process can be difficult. Laundering clothes with detergent and water doesn't always remove asbestos fibers since they can remain in fabric for years. Asbestos fibres could still be present even after washing clothes several times.

Therefore, the safest choice is to dispose of clothes which may have asbestos fibres on them, especially if the clothes have become frayed, torn, or worn. If disposal is not a choice, workers should wash their clothes separately and rinse the washing machine thoroughly with hot water after each load.

Can Dry-Cleaning Remove Asbestos Contaminated Clothing?

Many people choose to dry-clean their clothing before wearing them again. If you have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials and want to ensure that your clothes are free of asbestos fibres, you may be wondering if dry-cleaning is a safe option.

Dry-cleaning should not be used to remove asbestos fibres from contaminated clothing. Dry cleaning uses chemicals, not water, to clean clothes, and these chemicals cannot remove the asbestos fibres entirely. Furthermore, dry-cleaning could break down any fibres of asbestos present in the fabric, increasing the chance of fibres getting dispersed into the air.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

Asbestos exposure can lead to severe health problems, including mesothelioma. Our asbestos removal team has been providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services to Sussex and the surrounding areas for many years.

If you suspect that your home or workplace may contain asbestos, our experts can identify the presence of asbestos and if necessary, effectively remove it. We provide a range of services, including asbestos disposal, asbestos surveys, and asbestos encapsulation.

We always take a personal approach, ensuring that our clients receive expert advice and a bespoke service that specifically meets their needs. Contact our team today to learn how we can remove any asbestos-containing materials from your property safely.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous substance and should always be treated with great care. Exposure to asbestos can lead to severe health issues, including mesothelioma. If you work in a sector that requires the use of asbestos-containing materials or suspect that there may be asbestos in your property, it's crucial to contact an expert who can remove it safely. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a trusted and reliable asbestos removal company that can identify, remove and dispose of asbestos safely, giving you peace of mind. Contact us today to protect your health and well-being.