Asbestos air testing

The Dangers of Asbestos in Homes

When most people think of asbestos in residential houses, they think of houses built in the 70s or 80s. However, asbestos containing materials were used often in Australian building up until it was banned in the December of 2003. Knowledge of asbestos and the threats in your home is critical to keep yourself and your family safe.

What type of products are asbestos materials commonly used?

Building materials containing Asbestos can be found in a multitude of locations and products within a residential house. Common Asbestos containing products include;

• Eaves, fascia’s and roofs
• Electrical power boxes
• Splashbacks behind kitchen counters
• Debris under homes
• Walls of fibre houses, garages or sheds
• And many others

What is asbestos and what are the dangers?

Asbestos is naturally occurring fibrous rock that was frequently used in Australian homes for its heat resistant properties. These fibres are microscopic and can not be broken down by the body, leading to major respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Children, the elderly, smokers and people with underlying respiratory problems are more vulnerable to these illnesses.

Am I in danger in my home?

Living in a home with asbestos containing materials does not necessarily mean that you’re in danger. The main danger comes from the deterioration of the product due to weathering, aging or from breakages. Paints, Glues and other sealants are commonly used to reduce the risk of these materials, however removing asbestos from your home is always the safer option.

Can EnviroX Consulting assess the condition of my home?

Yes, our consultants are able to identify asbestos containing products via NATA accredited testing, assess the condition of theses products and present recommendations on what needs to be done to ensure your home is safe to occupy.

If you are renovating, demolishing or concerned about asbestos containing products in your residence, give 1300 599 996 a call to book an asbestos materials survey of your property.

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.