What Happens to Airborne Asbestos After Removal in Sussex

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been commonly used for insulation, fireproofing, and building materials for many years. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Due to these health risks, asbestos is now widely recognised as a hazardous material, and strict regulations are in place to control its use and removal.

As a professional asbestos removal company in Sussex, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex has a wealth of experience in dealing with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). In this article, we will explore the dangers of asbestos, and the steps we take to ensure that all asbestos is safely removed and disposed of.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that occurs naturally in the environment, and has been used in a wide range of building and industrial applications. There are six types of asbestos, including chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Among these, chrysotile is the most common form of asbestos in the UK.

Asbestos is widely used as a building material because of its insulating and fire-retardant properties. It is commonly found in ceiling tiles, insulation, paints, caulking, and roofing, among other applications.

Health Dangers of Asbestos

The use of asbestos has been linked to a number of life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, while asbestosis is a chronic and progressive condition that damages the lungs and makes breathing difficult.

It is important to note that the health effects of exposure to asbestos may not be immediately apparent. The latency period for asbestos-related diseases is typically between 10 and 50 years, so those who have been exposed to asbestos may not experience symptoms for many years.

The danger of asbestos lies in its fibres. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, the fibres can become airborne and be easily inhaled. Once inhaled, the fibres can become lodged in the lungs, leading to the development of serious health problems.

Asbestos Removal Process

Due to the health risks associated with asbestos, it is important to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are safely removed and disposed of. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we follow a strict process to ensure that all asbestos is removed safely and efficiently.

1. Site Assessment - Before any work can begin, a trained asbestos removal specialist will assess the site to identify any potential hazards. This includes identifying the types of ACMs present, as well as assessing the condition of the materials.

2. Planning - Based on the assessment, a detailed plan is developed for the safe removal of the asbestos. This includes identifying the methods that will be used for removal, as well as the personal protective equipment (PPE) that will be required.

3. Preparation - Before the removal work can begin, the site is prepared to ensure that the work area is isolated from the rest of the building. This includes sealing the area with plastic sheeting and creating negative air pressure to prevent asbestos fibres from escaping the work area.

4. Removal - Once the site is prepared, the removal work can begin. Trained asbestos removal specialists will use a range of methods to safely remove the asbestos-containing materials, including wet stripping, dry scraping, and vacuuming.

5. Disposal - After the asbestos has been removed, it is carefully packaged and transported to a specialist disposal site. All asbestos waste is disposed of in accordance with strict regulations.

Airborne Asbestos

Even after asbestos-containing materials have been removed, there is still a risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. This risk is particularly high when asbestos materials have been sprayed, as this can cause a large amount of fibres to become airborne.

If asbestos-containing materials are not removed correctly, or if asbestos is disturbed during renovation work, the fibres can potentially be released into the air, increasing the risk of exposure.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if not properly handled. As a professional asbestos removal company in Sussex, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex follows a strict process to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are safely removed and disposed of.

If you have concerns about asbestos in your property, or require asbestos removal services, please contact us on 01273 978238, or email us at [email protected]. Our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk, provides further information about our services, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.