Building an Home Extension

Building and construction have come a long way. There was a time when it was believed that asbestos was the best additive to construction materials such as tiles, pipes and roofing materials. The qualities that made asbestos so popular include the fact that it is fire-resistant, has high tensile strength and can make the most durable construction materials. The problem arose when people started reporting sickness, and research connected some illnesses to asbestos poisoning. Today, it is illegal to construct a new building with asbestos-containing materials. If you own an old building containing asbestos, be reminded that this substance is a great threat to your building's integrity as well as your health. 

Here are three things that you might not know about asbestos in construction, poisoning and the removal process.

Not All Asbestos Is Dangerous

One mistake that people make is the assumption that once a building has been found to contain the compound, it should be demolished immediately. However, the truth is that asbestos is only dangerous when it starts to fray. This is the time when the fibres become airborne and can be breathed in. When you breathe in asbestos fibres, it takes time, but you might eventually develop lung health problems, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Therefore, the only type of asbestos that you should be wary about is the one in structures that have started falling apart. The rest of the buildings are okay to live in.

Asbestos in Pipes Is Extremely Dangerous

While the rest of the building might be safe as long as the asbestos is intact, the water pipes should be checked carefully. Having asbestos in water pipes is very dangerous because asbestos in water can be easily ingested. If your house was built before the eighties, and the plumbing has never been changed, there is a very high chance that the pipes might have asbestos.

If you suspect that your plumbing could have this compound, have your water tested and act appropriately.

Only Professionals Should Remove It

Once asbestos has started fraying, it becomes hazardous. It is advisable to call in experts to remove it. They know the safety procedures to follow to make sure that nobody breathes in the fibres or carries them home. They also know and have the permits to dispose of the compound afterwards.

These are the crucial things that you should understand about asbestos. Call in a professional asbestos removal and remediation company for safe inspection, removal and disposal.