Asbestos: Everything You Need To Know

We're all aware that asbestos is hazardous to our health and has the potential to cause serious and even deadly illnesses. However, before the dangers of asbestos exposure became more widespread, it was commonly used in the construction sector as a low-cost, readily accessible and robust building material. Read on to learn more about asbestos and what to do if you find it today. 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring element made of flexible fibres that are resistant to electricity, corrosion and heat. It is these properties that made it a popular material in the construction sector for some time. 

It was used extensively as an insulator and was also used to strengthen a variety of materials such as fabric and other synthetic fibres. However, when asbestos dust is breathed in or consumed, the fibres can get trapped in the body, causing long-term health problems. Over a period of time, asbestos particles can accumulate and cause irritation, scarring, and, in severe cases, genetic damage.

One of the easiest ways to identify asbestos is by looking at a material's surface pattern. Most asbestos materials will have a dimpled or swirled pattern on the surface. Newer materials (that don't contain asbestos) tend to have a smooth surface.
 
It's common to find asbestos in walls, flooring and ceilings and it was regularly used as corrugated roofing, soffit and siding material. Because it's not susceptible to water, asbestos was a popular choice in bathrooms and basements.
 
Asbestos ore can appear in a variety of hues in its natural state, including white, brown, blue and green. 

If you come across any concealed materials or dust that you fear may contain asbestos, suspend work immediately and seek professional assistance. Even if the materials seem to be in good condition, you should never touch or expose them. If the material looks to be damaged or disturbed, leave the area as soon as possible and restrict access until you can contact a specialist. 

Complete Demolition, based in Tuggerah, has been providing demolition services to customers around Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast for over 30 years.
 
We're proud to excel in corporate, industrial, and household building demolition, asbestos removal and other related services for these sectors. So, make sure to get in touch with our expert and qualified team at Complete Demolition for all your asbestos removal needs today.