Asbestos at Home
We’re far more aware of the threat to health asbestos poses now than we were even 20 years ago. Unfortunately our increased understanding is thanks to the thousands of people who unknowingly inhaled asbestos in their workplace for years, and suffered long term chronic, and often fatal, effects. Thankfully we now have the knowledge that ensures no-one need suffer this fate in the 21st century.
Asbestos wasn’t just used in workplaces prior to its ban in 1999. As a cheap, effective and readily available insulating material, it was widely used in the construction of houses. Floor tiles, roofing, lagging and plaster work are just some of its many domestic applications. In this blog, the team at Avanti explain how to tell if your home has asbestos in it, and what to do if it has.
Is It Dangerous to Have Asbestos In Your Home?
The presence of asbestos in your home isn’t dangerous, so long as it isn’t damaged or disturbed. Early Artex plaster, for example, probably contains asbestos but it can be safely left in situ. If you decided to remove it, though, you would need to take extreme care to avoid releasing asbestos fibres into the air, as it is these fibres, when breathed in, that can cause damage to your lungs.
What is an Asbestos Survey?
Asbestos is invisible to an untrained eye, so it’s almost impossible to detect if you’re not an expert. An asbestos survey is therefore the best way to find out whether asbestos was used in the construction, or plastering of your house. It is carried out by specialist surveyors and the procedure is visual rather than invasive. The surveyors will determine:
- If there is asbestos in your home.
- Whether it is a risk in its current state.
- Where it is located.
- Whether it needs to be professionally removed.
In the majority of cases, homeowners are advised that ACMs, or asbestos containing materials, are safe. If however, extensive DIY or refurbishment takes place in areas where they are located, it will need to be professionally managed.
Recommendations for Home Buyers
If you’re buying a house, your Home Buyer’s Survey will give a general indication of the likelihood that asbestos may be present. This will normally be based on the date the property was built and the presence or absence or asbestos indicators, such as Artex plastering. An independent asbestos survey, however, will locate potential asbestos materials and carry out testing to confirm whether asbestos is present.
Working With Avanti
Avanti provides asbestos removal and management services across England. We’re an experienced and established team that’s licensed to carry out HSE asbestos removal works in both residential and commercial properties. Our asbestos management surveys are carried out by UKAS accredited consultants and any testing takes place in UKAS accredited labs.
If you’re wondering how to tell if your home has asbestos in its fabric, put your mind at rest and call Avanti today for an asbestos management survey – 0333 3355974
