How do I know if I have asbestos in my property?

How do I know if I have asbestos in my property?

Asbestos was used in construction on a large scale from the 1940s until the 1970s. Its popularity was largely down to the fact that it had fantastic insulation qualities while not being flammable. It soon became clear that asbestos is dangerous to health, particularly when inhaled. The small fibers in asbestos cause lung damage, being linked heavily to conditions including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

While asbestos is most often found in buildings which were built before 1980, it can also be found in newer properties, meaning industrial and residential buildings which were built or refurbished before the year 2000 are at risk of containing asbestos. Some of the most common uses of asbestos include being used for insulation around pipes, boilers and fireplaces. There are many places where asbestos can be found, including within ceilings and flooring tiles, as well as in roofing.

Because of the dangers asbestos brings, it is vital to identify it as quickly as possible, removing it from your property. The first step of this is finding out that you have asbestos in your property.

How do I know if I need asbestos removal?
There are many materials which look similar, or even the same as asbestos. Because of this, you can’t tell whether a material is asbestos simply by looking at it. To find out whether you have it in your property, you should contact professionals who can be trusted to accurately determine what the material is, carrying out all stages of asbestos removal if required.

Professionals are able to thoroughly search for potential sources of asbestos, as some can be hidden and can take different forms, from being included in glues to being painted over, or looking like traditional insulation. They can also be in difficult to reach positions, such as lofts, in ceilings, or beneath carpets. By using asbestos removal experts, you can be confident that they know exactly where to look and won’t miss any areas.

Signs you may have asbestos in your property include:

• 9-inch by 9-inch floor tiles
• Cement water tanks
• Corrugated roofing
• Cement sheeting around vents

After identifying potential areas where the property may have asbestos, samples are taken from the materials they believe could be dangerous. These samples can then be collected and sent for professional analysis, giving you a certain answer which will help you understand whether you need asbestos removal or not.

Two popular ways to analyse suspected asbestos are Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). It’s important that this is done by a trained professional to protect yourself from inhaling the fibers. It can then be tested properly as well as being disposed of safely.

By going through this testing, you can ensure you know whether you have asbestos, which can be more cost effective than removing anything which could potentially be asbestos.

Whether you’re purchasing a property, moving into one, or have concerns about one you have been in for a while, it’s a wise move to carry out any necessary asbestos removal, ensuring the safety of those who enter.

For asbestos removal in Glasgow, visit Rainbow Restoration. Their specialised team is trained to carry out Notifiable Non Licenced Work (NNLW) of asbestos removal. Attending annual training courses, carrying ID and being regulated under HSE guidelines, you can be confident that Rainbow International can carry out every stage of your asbestos removal.