How To Identify Asbestos

September 8, 2022

While it hasn't been used in decades, asbestos is still present in many buildings that were constructed or remodelled in the late 1980s and earlier. Read on to find out more about how to identify the substance below.

How to identify asbestos

You may find that some materials come with asbestos warnings, which is the easiest way to identify it. However, older constructions or materials may not, so if there is no warning and you believe the material or property you're dealing with is old, you should call in a professional - never assume it is free from asbestos just because there are no obvious signs.
It's very difficult to recognise asbestos by sight. Not only does asbestos come in a lot of colours, including blue, brown, green or white, but it can also be mixed with other things or painted over, making it impossible to tell just from looking at a material whether it contains asbestos or not.

Asbestos also has no taste or smell, which is part of what makes it very difficult to notice. Trying to smell it could also cause you to inhale the dangerous fibres (if it turns out to be asbestos), so you would be advised against this for your own safety. If you suspect asbestos, the best way to identify it is to go to a professional who can use tests to determine whether you are correct.

Is asbestos dangerous?

If left alone, asbestos isn't dangerous. But if it becomes damaged and lets the asbestos fibres into the air, it can become problematic. This is when the particles can become a risk to health and even if you don't see the effects immediately, they can become serious later in life. For this reason, it's important to deal with potential asbestos quickly.

What to do about suspected asbestos

If you discover that you have asbestos, you will need to contact experts who can remove it without putting you at risk. Here at Complete Demolition, we can offer safe and dependable asbestos removal and remediation services that ensure you won't have to worry about anything.

We work throughout the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley and with more than 20 years of experience, there's nobody better to solve your asbestos problem. Contact us today to make sure you don't have to spend another second worrying.