Whether you’ve purchased an older home or are unsure of your property’s history, approximately one-third of all Australian homes have asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This means property owners must do their due diligence in ensuring their home is free from asbestos by enlisting the help of an environmental service provider specialising in asbestos removal.
This guide will discuss asbestos and its health risks and provide an effective way to identify the dangerous material in your home or building.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that is made up of six heat-resistant properties. Because of its inability to break down when exposed to heat or chemicals, asbestos was predominantly used when building homes, buildings, cars and more in Australia until late 1984. By December 2003, the material was banned completely due to its severe health risks.
The health risks of asbestos
The health risks of asbestos are primarily related to the inhalation of its fibres, which can cause serious respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen or heart. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that causes scarring of the lung tissue, which can lead to difficulty breathing, coughing and fatigue.
The severity of the health risks depends on the length and intensity of the exposure. If you believe your home or building could contain asbestos, you must do everything possible to minimise your exposure risk through property management, like airborne asbestos monitoring.
Asbestos air monitoring
Asbestos air monitoring, or asbestos air testing, involves collecting air samples to measure the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air. These samples are collected through an electronic air pump and passed through a filter. The filter is then analysed under a microscope to detect airborne asbestos particles.
Early detection is critical in minimising the risks of asbestos exposure. By knowing the level of asbestos fibres present in the air, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their families from the adverse health effects of asbestos.
And if you are looking for a reliable and qualified organisation that offers asbestos air monitoring in Sydney, look no further than EnviroX Consulting.
EnviroX Consulting — your source for fast-acting asbestos removal
At EnviroX Consulting, we strive to make the world a better, safer place. We are a highly specialised environmental consulting company that offers full-service environmental services, including airborne asbestos monitoring. Not only do we have access to a fleet of market-leading detection equipment, we provide same-day responses, a fast turnaround on samples and ongoing monitoring once the job is completed.
Schedule an asbestos air testing appointment with us today by giving us a call at 1300 599 996.