Before the turn of the millennium, asbestos was banned across the UK. This was because it was found to be causing cancer and other dangerous disorders.
And even twenty years after it was made illegal, the substance is still a risk for many home and business owners. It can still be found in many homes that were constructed before the turn of the millennium. However, skilled experts can remove it with little risk.
Glasgow has a particular problem with asbestos, as all major UK cities do. To tackle the problem, CITY Building has been commissioned to construct a brand-new state-of-the-art training college near Springburn. Its purpose will be to train the next generation of builders and tradespeople, with asbestos removal among the skills taught.
It is hoped that the increasingly skilled workforce will be able to help the city overcome its asbestos-related problem – which to this day remains one of the worst in the UK. Glasgow's buildings are beginning to age, and as they do, asbestos-related challenges emerge with increasing frequency.
With age and deterioration, buildings eventually need to be repaired, inside and out. Asbestos can become exposed once work begins. Causing the asbestos in the building to be disturbed; this is when it becomes hazardous.
When left undisturbed, asbestos is relatively safe. This is because it remains concealed and enclosed within the structure. However, if work starts before it is detected, problems can then arise. Therefore, asbestos needs to be identified before this.
Once it is, the experts who know can then remove it safely. Asbestos can be detected using our test kits to assess materials suspected of containing trace quantities. To do this, you can order one of our Asbestos-Sampling test kits to assist you.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos may be defined as a variety of different minerals containing a small group of microscopic fibres. Asbestos was commonly used in construction projects all around the UK throughout the previous century – including large industrial cities like Glasgow.
The 'magic material,' as it was known, was mixed into insulation, flooring, roofing, ceilings, and even walls. Asbestos was considered so useful that building firms over-relied on it, which is why it's still turning up today.
Asbestos is still present - in significant quantities. An asbestos survey can be conducted to locate it before meaningful work begins on an older building. Or at the very least, a testing kit should be used if asbestos is suspected.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
Asbestos can be very harmful if inhaled. Unfortunately, many of these can be fatal over time.
Microscopic fibres can be inhaled and can potentially cause cancer of the lungs and other damaging breathing disorders. Hidden asbestos that stays hidden poses very little threat. But once the microscopic particles are revealed, the situation changes sharply. It is also often advisable for a building owner to know where asbestos is before renovations begin.
It might take several years to develop asbestos-related diseases, but once symptoms appear, they can indeed endanger life. Trade workers are typically the most at risk. Since they are often placed in conditions that expose them to asbestos. However, these fibres can impact anyone that goes near.
How do I protect myself from asbestos?
Removal of asbestos must first involve confirmation of its presence. Our test kits for asbestos samples are specially designed to help you safely achieve this.
You can collect an asbestos sample securely and submit it for review using one of our test kits. If there are traces of asbestos in the material you send us, we will relay this information back to you. Removal can then be arranged via a third-party. We can also offer our advice on whom to select for this task.
As asbestos can be hazardous, our kits are supplied with clear instructions and PPE, which is approved by industry regulators. We will assist you by telephone if you need walking through the process.
More information about the procedure can also be found here by watching this video. We only require a small sample, so no need to retrieve too much.
The next steps
The sample will be sent to our research laboratory, where we'll endeavour to test your sample on the day it arrives. We will then suggest what to do next if the sample comes back positive for asbestos. We may also assist you in planning and recommending a local business to help remove it.
Conducting a survey on asbestos
If you're uncertain that asbestos exists in the building, a full survey could be a safer choice. -This helps to confirm whether the building contains any and where it's likely to be located. It is also much more comprehensive than a test kit – which is only designed to test a specific area.
We do not perform the survey ourselves, but we can provide guidance on who can. Or propose a local company to arrange one for you. After a thorough inspection, you will then know where any asbestos may be hiding.
After this, you won't be required to do a sample test. You will find what you need to know from the survey. But you can order one of our Asbestos test kits for today if you suspect the asbestos may exist in your building.
We will help you detect whether or not asbestos is there and how it can be safely removed, holding your hand through the process every step of the way.