How Do You Test A Plastered Surface For Asbestos In Sussex?

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in building materials in Sussex and around the world during the construction boom of the mid-20th century. It was considered to be an excellent building material due to its strength, heat resistance, and fire retardant properties. However, asbestos is also a deadly material that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, its use has been prohibited in most countries.

The problem is that many buildings in Sussex and other parts of South East England were constructed during the period when asbestos was still considered to be safe. This means that many of these buildings contain asbestos, including plastered surfaces.

If you suspect that a plastered surface in your building may contain asbestos, it is important to have it tested as soon as possible. In this article, we will discuss how to test a plastered surface for asbestos in Sussex, and why it is important to hire a professional asbestos testing company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex to do the job.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

Before we discuss how to test a plastered surface for asbestos in Sussex, it is important to understand why asbestos is dangerous.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release microscopic fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled into the lungs and cause serious health problems. The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases depends on the duration and intensity of exposure, as well as the type of asbestos and the individual's susceptibility.

Asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop and may not show symptoms until it is too late. This is why it is important to identify and remove asbestos-containing materials as soon as possible.

What Building Materials Contain Asbestos?

As mentioned earlier, asbestos was a commonly used building material in Sussex and other parts of the UK during the mid-20th century. It was added to a wide variety of building materials for its strength, heat resistance, and other properties.

The following are common building materials that may contain asbestos:

• Cement products (such as pipes, roofing tiles, and corrugated sheets)
• Insulation (such as pipe insulation and sprayed-on insulation)
• Ceiling tiles
• Plaster
• Artex (a type of textured coating used on walls and ceilings)

It is important to note that not all building materials containing asbestos are dangerous. If the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and is not likely to be disturbed, it may be left in place. However, if the material is damaged or deteriorating, it must be removed by a professional asbestos removal company.

How Do You Test A Plastered Surface For Asbestos?

If you suspect that a plastered surface in your building may contain asbestos, the first step is to have it tested. Here's how to test a plastered surface for asbestos in Sussex:

1. Contact a professional asbestos testing company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. You can reach us at 01273 978238 or contact us through our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.

2. Provide the asbestos testing company with the details of the plastered surface you want to test. They will need to know the age of the building, the location of the plastered surface, and any other relevant details.

3. The asbestos testing company will collect a sample of the plaster and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will test the sample for the presence of asbestos fibres.

4. The asbestos testing company will provide you with a report on the findings. If the sample contains asbestos, they will provide you with recommendations on how to proceed.

Can Artex Contain Asbestos?

Artex is a type of textured coating used on walls and ceilings. It was popular in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s, and was often applied to concrete surfaces to create a decorative pattern.

Although most Artex products do not contain asbestos, some older products may contain low levels of asbestos fibres. These products were phased out in the 1980s, but many buildings in Sussex and other parts of the UK still contain Artex with asbestos.

If you suspect that your Artex coating may contain asbestos, it is important to have it tested as soon as possible. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can provide you with reliable and affordable Artex asbestos testing services in Sussex and other parts of South East England.

Should You Do Asbestos Testing Yourself?

Although it is possible to do asbestos testing yourself, we strongly recommend against it. Asbestos testing can be dangerous if not done correctly. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release dangerous fibres into the air, which can be inhaled into the lungs.

Professional asbestos testing companies like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex have the necessary training, experience, and equipment to safely test for asbestos. They use specialized tools to collect samples without disturbing the surrounding materials. They also follow strict safety protocols to ensure that asbestos fibres do not escape into the air.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you suspect that a plastered surface in your building may contain asbestos, it is important to have it tested as soon as possible. Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a professional asbestos testing company in Sussex that provides reliable and affordable asbestos testing services. We can help you identify asbestos-containing materials in your building and provide recommendations on how to proceed.

If you need asbestos testing in Sussex or other parts of South East England, contact us today at 01273 978238 or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk. We are here to help you keep your building safe and asbestos-free.