How To Test Plaster For Asbestos In Sussex

Welcome to Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex the leading asbestos testing company in Sussex. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, and it was widely used in construction between the 1950s and 1980s. It was commonly used in building materials such as roofing, cement, insulation, piping, and plaster. However, due to health concerns, its use was banned in the UK in 1999. Asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma and other lung diseases, which is why it's imperative to test your building materials before any renovations or demolitions take place.

If you're unsure whether your plaster contains asbestos or not, then keep reading, as we'll explain how to test plaster for asbestos in Sussex.

Understanding Asbestos

Before we show you how to test plaster for asbestos, first, let's understand what asbestos is. It's a fibrous mineral, which was widely used in construction as it has excellent thermal, electrical, and acoustic insulator properties. It was commonly used in building materials such as cement, insulation, piping, and plaster.

However, asbestos has been linked to several lung diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. When disturbed, such as during renovations or demolitions, the fibers can become airborne and inhaled by workers and residents of the property, leading to severe and fatal diseases.

The UK banned the use and import of asbestos in 1999 due to the severe health risks, but the material still exists in many older buildings.

How Asbestos in Plaster Can Affect You

Asbestos in plaster is not uncommon, especially in older buildings built before the 1980s. Several types of plasters may contain asbestos, such as artex, vermiculite, and other coatings. If the plaster in a building contains asbestos, then any disturbances, such as drilling or sanding, may release the fibers into the air, leading to contamination.

Breathing in these fibers can cause legal problems, such as mesothelioma, which is why it's imperative to test your building materials before any renovation or demolition. Cross-contamination may also occur if the asbestos-laden plaster comes in contact with other materials, leading to further health risks.

How To Test Plaster for Asbestos in Sussex

Testing plaster for asbestos in Sussex is not easy, but it is necessary. Here's how to do it.

Inspect the Building

The first step is to inspect the building thoroughly. Check for any signs of previous renovations and look for materials that could contain asbestos. Most asbestos-containing materials can be found in the walls, ceiling, floor, and roofing sheets of older buildings.

Collect a Sample

Once you've identified which material may contain asbestos, it's time to collect a sample. Before you begin, it's essential to take precautions to avoid cross-contamination. Wear protective clothing, gloves, and a mask to prevent inhaling any airborne fibers.

To collect a sample, use a spray bottle to dampen the area and gently scrape a small section of the material using a knife or blade. Place the sample in a tightly sealed plastic bag and label it.

Submit the Sample for Laboratory Analysis

It's essential to ensure you're submitting your sample for laboratory analysis, and not just visual inspection. Most laboratories will analyze the sample using polarized light microscopy or Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), which can detect asbestos fibers as small as 0.5 micrometers.

When submitting your sample, ensure you use a UKAS accredited asbestos testing laboratory like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, who can provide reliable and accurate results.

Managing Asbestos Contamination

If the test results indicate that the plaster contains asbestos, then it's essential to manage the contamination. Cross-contamination should be avoided, and the area should be sealed off to prevent any further fiber release. It's also vital to ensure that the removal of any asbestos-containing materials is done safely and by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

Asbestos testing can be expensive, but at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer affordable testing services in Sussex and the South East of England. Our team of experienced and qualified professionals can offer reliable laboratory analysis and advice on the best course of action.

We are a licensed asbestos testing company in Sussex with a phone number of 01273 978238 and an email of [email protected]. Our website is affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.

Conclusion

If you're planning to renovate or demolish a property built before the 1980s, then it's essential to test the building materials for asbestos. Asbestos in plaster is not uncommon, and it's vital to ensure you're taking proper precautions to avoid any health risks.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer affordable testing services in Sussex and the South East of England. We understand the importance of accurate and reliable asbestos testing, which is why we use UKAS accredited laboratories for our analysis. If you need to test your plaster for asbestos, then contact us today.