What You Need to Do If You Think You Have Asbestos in Your Property
Your Essential Guid
If you think that asbestos could be present in your property, it’s natural to be worried. We’ve all heard so much about the health risks associated with it, and the thought of it being there in your home can keep you up at night. What’s important is not to panic and decide to take action yourself. Here is your step-by-step guide on what to do, including when it is time to get in touch with some trusted asbestos removal contractors in your area.
Where can you find asbestos?
There’s no clear indicator of asbestos that you can keep an eye out for. It was used as a building material between the 1950s and 1990s, so if your home was built before the year 2000, there is a chance that it could be present. If you do live in a property of that age, asbestos tends to be found in the following areas if it is present:
- Insulation in partition walls
- Outbuildings such as garages
- PVC tile flooring
- Artex ceilings and walls
- Some cement products, such as corrugated roofing panels and gutters
- Roof tiles, panelling and exterior walls
Is it safe to leave asbestos alone?
Yes, it is. Asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed. This is because any damage to it can cause asbestos fibres to break away and become airborne. They can then be inhaled, and this is what leads to serious health problems. Left intact, it poses little to no issues. Many people aren’t happy to have asbestos in their property, though, and that is where professional removal comes in.
What if I have been exposed to it?
If you think that you have come into contact with asbestos, get in touch with your GP right away. They will then make a note of it on your medical record. Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will go on to develop any of the diseases that it will cause, although this will depend on a large number of factors. Your GP will be able to tell you more, so don’t delay.
When to call in the experts
If you think that you have asbestos in your home, then get in touch with a specialist removal company. Only those who hold a special licence are able to remove asbestos in the UK, and they will be able to carry out testing in your property to see if it is present. If it is, they will carefully remove it and ensure that no traces remain.
What to do next
Now that you know what to do if you think that you could have asbestos in your home, you’ll be much less likely to take rash action that could have serious consequences later on. Get in touch with a trusted asbestos removal team in your area today, and they will take care of everything for you, protecting your property and everyone in it.
