Asbestos Care Solutions. Devizes, Wiltshire Asbestos Advice and Surveys

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fibre that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. EPA and CPSC have banned several asbestos products. Manufacturers have also voluntarily limited uses of asbestos. Today, asbestos is most commonly found in older homes and business premises, in pipe and furnace insulation materials, asbestos shingles, millboard, textured paints and other coating materials, and floor tiles.

Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can occur after asbestos-containing materials are disturbed by cutting, sanding or other remodeling activities. Improper attempts to remove these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air in homes, increasing asbestos levels and endangering people living in those homes and working in those environments.

Asbestos and Health.

Asbestos fiber can cause scarring of lung tissue (asbestosis) and inflammation of the lung cavity. Asbestos exposure also increases the incidence of lung cancer and other cancers. Due to its strength, heat resistance and chemical properties, asbestos was used in a wide variety of products and materials.

Scientific and medical concerns about exposure to asbestos and government regulation of the use of asbestos, have caused industries to produce and use much fewer asbestos-containing materials since the late 1970s.

In general, the more asbestos a person is exposed to, the greater the risk of developing an asbestos related disease. Exposure to asbestos occurs through inhalation of airborne microscopic fibers. Airborne asbestos can be present during renovation and demolition of buildings and building products. Residential and nonresidential buildings can contain asbestos materials. Untrained individuals performing asbestos-related work can expose themselves, other individuals in the building, or their own families by having their clothing or skin contaminated with asbestos fibers.

If you have any queries or concerns regarding the new legislation, or would just like general impartial advice, please contact us on 01380 738200 or via the contact form on this website.