Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is widely known for its properties as a fire-resistant and insulating material. However, it is also a cause of serious health problems, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos was commonly used in residential and commercial construction until the 1970s, which means that many older buildings still contain traces of the mineral.
If you are a homeowner or a business owner, you may be wondering if you can remove asbestos yourself. Although it is possible to do so, it is not recommended. In this blog post, we will discuss the risks of asbestos exposure and why removing it without proper training and equipment is dangerous.
How Dangerous Is Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure can lead to various respiratory problems, and it can take years before symptoms start to appear. The mineral can be released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, such as during renovations or demolitions.
If you inhale asbestos fibres, they can lodge in your lungs and cause scarring, inflammation, and damage to lung tissue. These conditions can develop into severe respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure.
Can I Remove Asbestos Myself?
When it comes to removing asbestos yourself, it’s more of a ‘Whether you should’ matter than a ‘Whether you can’ problem.
Asbestos removal is a hazardous job that requires expertise, equipment, and safety protocols. If you are not trained and equipped to handle asbestos-containing materials, it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to remove them yourself. Professional companies, including the ones that deal in asbestos removal in Surrey, have specialised knowledge and equipment to safely remove asbestos without endangering anyone’s health.
These companies follow strict safety guidelines to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air. They use protective gear, such as respirators and disposable coveralls, to protect themselves from the fibres. They also use specialised equipment to wet the asbestos-containing materials and minimise dust and debris during removal.
Another reason why you should not remove asbestos yourself is that you may not know where asbestos is present in your building. Asbestos-containing materials can be found in various parts of a building, such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and pipes. If you attempt to remove asbestos without proper training and equipment, you may inadvertently release fibres into the air and put yourself and others at risk.
Final Take
Sometimes, you just have to leave it to the professionals, and that’s more than important when it comes to asbestos removal. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems, and removing asbestos without proper training and equipment is dangerous. Professional asbestos removal companies have the knowledge, equipment, and safety protocols to remove asbestos-containing materials safely and efficiently.
Don’t put yourself and others at risk by attempting to remove asbestos yourself. If you suspect that your building contains asbestos, contact a professional asbestos removal company to schedule an inspection and removal. Your health and safety are not worth the risk.