Full PPE Included
Written by Tom Yates . Edited
Fact Checked by William Wright, NEBOSH
Asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999 after it was discovered that the substance causes cancer and a range of dangerous respiratory ailments.
The material still poses a risk to many home and business owners today as it can still be found in many buildings that were erected before it was banned. However, this risk can be removed by qualified asbestos professionals.
London, as the UK’s capital city, saw one of the highest uses of asbestos. Even today, the materials that comprise it are common, being found in buildings all over London.
As buildings get older, they tend to require renovation work, meaning any asbestos contained could be disturbed and pose a risk to people in the vicinity.
Much of the asbestos in London is undisturbed, which means it poses little danger to a building’s occupants. But before modifications or renovation work begin, it’s sensible to check if asbestos exists, and if it does, remove it to make sure any risk is mitigated.
But first, it needs to be identified. Once located, asbestos can be safely removed by qualified experts. The first step though is to detect it.
This can be achieved by testing materials suspected to contain asbestos - something that our Asbestos-Sampling testing kits can help you do.
Asbestos refers to a selection of minerals made up of a particular grouping of microscopic fibres. During the last century, the substance was liberally used throughout construction projects across the UK.
For insulation, flooring, roofing, ceilings and walls, asbestos was considered a ‘magic material.’ The substance was fireproof, unconducive and thoroughly insulating, meaning building companies used it wherever they could.
They mixed it with cement, insulation and other materials. In time, it became so widely used that tracking it down for removal became a difficult task.
So much so that it’s taken multiple decades. To this day, asbestos still exists in many buildings across London and, ideally, needs to be removed. Especially if it risks being disturbed. The substance could be anywhere, and while not a danger where it is, it could be if it got into the air.
Once asbestos had been used in millions of buildings across the UK – and thousands across London – it was discovered to be highly dangerous, if inhaled.
The fibres can be breathed in, and over time can cause lung cancer. Should asbestos be disturbed, it can release thousands of dangerous microscopic fibres into the air. These can then be breathed in and cause irreparable damage. Asbestos which is in good condition and remains undisturbed poses little risk to health. But it’s always wise to know where it is before renovation work begins.
Certain asbestos-related illnesses may take years for symptoms to develop. Tradespeople such as plumbers, carpenters, and builders are most at risk. This is because the nature of their jobs potentially puts them in close proximity with asbestos.
But household/business members can also be in danger. If the building has been subject to modification, then microscopic fibres may have been released. This is why detecting asbestos before such work begins is so essential.
The good news is that asbestos that is undisturbed and in good condition poses little risk to health. But once detected it’s still a good idea to have it removed. All buildings require some form of maintenance eventually.
Asbestos removal is only part of the challenge; the first step is to identify it. Our Asbestos-Sampling testing kits are specifically designed to help you do just that.
They enable you to safely take a sample from material where asbestos is suspected, secure it, and send it back to us for analysis. This way, we’ll be able to confirm if asbestos has been found in the material.
Of course, interacting with asbestos can be dangerous; therefore, our kits also include full instructions and personal protective equipment to keep you safe. The equipment we provide is verified and recommended by our industry regulators.
We know that taking a sample of material that potentially contains asbestos is a daunting task. That’s why our kits come with full, clear, and easy to follow instructions. If you need more support, we’ll happily talk you through the process by telephone.
You can also learn more about how the process works by watching the video on our website. The good news is the sample only needs to be the size of a small coin.
Once we receive your sample, we’ll send it to our lab for analysis. We know that you’ll be keen to know the results, so we’ll endeavour to test your sample on the same day we receive it.
If your sample tests positive for asbestos, we’ll then offer our advice on what to do next. We can also help you arrange your asbestos removal and recommend a local company to you.
We’ll make sure we hold your hand throughout the entire journey.
You may have no idea where asbestos could be present in your building - In this instance, a survey would be more suitable instead of a sample test. This will help you verify if asbestos does exist in your building and where it is likely to be.
Asbestos-Sampling doesn’t arrange surveys ourselves, but we can offer some support and guidance to those who need some help arranging one. Or recommend a local company who can conduct a survey for you.
This will allow you to identify if asbestos does exist in your building. After the survey, you’ll know precisely where any asbestos is located, so you won’t need to conduct a sampling test once one has been completed.
If you are concerned that your home or business may contain traces of asbestos, then order one of our Asbestos-Sampling testing kits today. Together we can identify if your building does contain asbestos, where it is, and how to remove it safely.
Full PPE Included
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