How To Interpret Asbestos Test Results In Sussex

When it comes to asbestos, it's always better to be safe than sorry. The harmful effects of asbestos are well-known, and exposure to it can lead to serious health complications. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction materials due to its heat-resistance properties. However, once it became apparent how dangerous asbestos exposure can be, its use was banned in many countries. Nowadays, asbestos is only found in older buildings, and it's important to have a proper asbestos survey and testing done before removing it from your home or workplace.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are an asbestos testing company in Sussex with years of experience in the field. We understand that interpreting asbestos test results can be daunting for many people, and we're here to help. In this article, we will go over some of the main points to keep in mind when it comes to asbestos testing and interpreting results.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals, including chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Asbestos has been used in the construction industry for decades due to its heat-resistant properties, durability, and strength. Asbestos can be found in many building materials, including insulation, tiles, roofing, and siding. However, when asbestos is disturbed, it can release harmful fibers into the air, which can lead to serious health complications.

Why Should You Get Your Home or Workplace Tested for Asbestos?

If your home or workplace was built before the 1980s, it's possible that it contains asbestos. Even if you suspect that there is no asbestos present, it's important to get a proper survey and testing done to ensure that you're not exposed to any hazardous fibers. Asbestos testing can help identify the type of asbestos present, the concentration, and the location. Knowing this information is crucial when it comes to removing asbestos safely and effectively.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of your home or workplace to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The survey is conducted by a qualified asbestos surveyor who will take samples of suspected materials and have them analysed in a lab. The surveyor will also look for signs of damage or disturbance to existing ACMs, which can release asbestos fibers into the air. Once the survey is complete, you'll receive a detailed report outlining the location, type, and concentration of any ACMs found in your property.

What is Asbestos Testing?

Asbestos testing is the process of analysing samples from your home or workplace to determine if they contain asbestos fibers. The testing is usually done after an asbestos survey has been conducted and suspected ACMs have been identified. The samples can be collected from the air, soil, or materials. The testing involves using specialised equipment to measure the concentration and type of asbestos fibers present in the sample.

How to Interpret Asbestos Test Results

Interpreting asbestos test results can be challenging for the untrained eye. The results can be presented in different forms, depending on the type of sample collected. However, there are a few main points to keep in mind when it comes to interpreting asbestos test results:

Asbestos in the Air

If asbestos fibers are found in the air, it means that there is a disturbance or damage to an ACM. The concentration of asbestos fibers in the air is measured in fibers per cubic meter (f/cm3). The action levels for airborne asbestos according to HSE guidelines are:

• 0.1 f/cm3 for short-term exposure (up to 4 hours)
• 0.6 f/cm3 for long-term exposure (over 4 hours)

If the results show that the concentration of asbestos in the air exceeds these levels, action must be taken to remove the asbestos-containing material and mitigate any further exposure.

Asbestos in Soil

If asbestos fibers are found in soil, it usually means that there has been some contamination from nearby asbestos-containing materials. The concentration of asbestos in soil is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). If the concentration of asbestos in soil exceeds the action level of 0.1 mg/kg, remedial action may be required.

Asbestos in Materials

If asbestos fibers are found in building materials, it's important to know the type of asbestos and its concentration. Asbestos in materials is measured in percentage (%). The higher the percentage, the more hazardous the material is. If the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and not likely to be disturbed, it may be left in place and monitored. However, if the material is damaged or needs to be removed, it must be done by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

Why You Should Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we understand the importance of having a proper asbestos survey and testing done. We use modern and reliable equipment to conduct our surveys, and all our samples are analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Our analysts are highly trained and experienced in identifying and interpreting asbestos test results.

If asbestos is found in your home or workplace, we provide safe and effective asbestos removal services. Our team of experts is fully licensed and insured, and we follow strict guidelines to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are removed safely and disposed of properly.

Contact Us

If you need any assistance with interpreting your asbestos test results or would like to schedule an asbestos survey, feel free to contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. You can call us at 01273 978238, email us at [email protected] or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk. We're always happy to help!