Asbestos is still very prevalent in many homes and businesses around the country. Even though this deadly material is now banned in New Zealand the threat of exposure is still very real. Asbestos Removals Marlborough looks at the top things every household needs to know about asbestos.
With the current bans on asbestos, many are left with a false set of security when it comes to this toxic fibre. The fact is; regardless of the bans, this product is still lurking in many homes and businesses around the country. For this reason, it is very important to call in the experts before undertaking any renovations or improvements, particularly in homes and businesses built before the year 2000.
Asbestos In Materials
Asbestos, once hailed the hero of the building industry, was used heavily in building materials. Praised for its fire-retardant properties and long life it was embedded in many products that still live in older homes and workplaces. Today, asbestos-containing materials are banned in New Zealand, however, it’s important to remember that in older buildings, this material is still commonly found.
Including:
asbestos-cement cladding and roofing
fire doors
high wattage insulation around electric light fittings
electrical switchboards and ceramic fuses
backing material for floor tiles and vinyl sheets
textured ceilings and sprayed-on wall surfaces
insulation around pipes, heaters, and hot water cylinders
insulation board for thermal protection like fireplaces
ceiling tiles
spouting for drainage and water supplies
air conditioning ducts
boiler gaskets
door seals for ovens, kilns, furnaces, and refrigeration units
insulation blocks
lift shafts
plaster and plaster cornice adhesive
industrial epoxy paints
wall insulation for stoves
Asbestos Remains in the Body
Unlike many toxic substances that in effect can be flushed out of the body, asbestos cannot. As it is a microscopic fibre it can stick and stay inside the lungs and body slowly causing detrimental effects. Once inhaled the exposure can eventually lead to fatal respiratory disease. This can take many years to show symptoms, even in some exposure cases, decades!
Asbestos is Still Mined
Yes, that is right, in many countries asbestos is still hailed as a hero product. Sadly, this is allowing this toxic fibre to enter many countries that have current bans on asbestos-containing materials. Recently Australia has interrupted shipments of building materials that contain asbestos. It is a constant problem for many government border security services who are constantly trying to intercept shipments containing this banned fibre and prevent it from going undetected across borders.
Asbestos is Not Dangerous if Left Undisturbed
That’s right unless disturbed asbestos is not deadly. The problem comes when this toxic fibre is accidentally disturbed or broken allowing the toxic fibres to become airborne. Once airborne they pose a massive health risk to those who are exposed, and it can happen very quickly. This is the reason it is vitally important that all construction work on older buildings is correctly monitored for any possible asbestos-containing products. The danger comes to DIY homeowners, who unknowingly expose themselves and family to asbestos. Knowing the risks and calling in the experts is highly recommended.