Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, has been used for many industrial purposes, such as in insulation, cement, and piping, due to its heat resistance and durability. However, the same properties that made it popular also make it deadly. Asbestos-related lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, continue to claim lives around the world. Unfortunately, Australia has the highest rate of mesothelioma in the world, with more than 10,000 deaths since records began. Lets look at the prevalence of asbestos in Australia and highlight the importance of asbestos removal to protect your health.
Asbestos was widely used in Australia from the 1940s until the 1980s, particularly in the construction and manufacturing industries. Asbestos was cheap, strong, and fire-resistant, so it was the go-to material for many applications. Unfortunately, the dangers of asbestos were not widely known at the time, so many people were exposed to it daily. Even today, many buildings still contain asbestos, which can cause deadly diseases if not handled correctly.
Asbestos removal is essential to avoid exposure to the harmful fibres. Asbestos becomes dangerous when the fibres are disturbed and become airborne, which can easily happen during renovations, demolitions, or general wear and tear. You should never attempt asbestos removal yourself, as this can release the dangerous fibres and put you and others at risk. Instead, you should seek the help of a professional asbestos removal company, who have the necessary training and equipment to safely remove the asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos removal can be a costly and time-consuming process, but it is essential for the safety of everyone involved. It’s also worth noting that asbestos removal is not always necessary – if the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed, they may not need to be removed. Therefore, before removing asbestos, it’s important to have a professional perform an asbestos inspection to identify which materials are hazardous and which can be safely left in place.
Asbestos is not just a problem for the construction industry – it can also be found in your home. Asbestos-containing materials can lurk in your ceilings, walls, eaves, floors, and even in your appliances (such as ironing boards, heaters, and ovens). If you suspect that your home may contain asbestos, it’s crucial to have an asbestos inspection and, if necessary, asbestos removal. Your health and the health of your family should be your top priority.
Asbestos may be a silent killer, but we can all take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Asbestos removal is an essential step in keeping everyone safe from the dangers of asbestos. Don’t attempt asbestos removal yourself – always seek the help of a professional asbestos removal company. If you suspect that your home or workplace contains asbestos, don’t delay – get an asbestos inspection today. Together, we can reduce the prevalence of asbestos in Australia and protect our health for generations to come.
