What Is Asbestos & How Do You Remove It?

risks of asbestos exposure - cover image

Asbestos Removal

Finding asbestos in your home is one of the most dreadful experiences as a homeowner. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was used in over 3000 building materials before being banned in Australia. This hazardous material can lead to a number of serious health problems, including cancer. So if you’re dealing with asbestos in your home, it’s important to know the proper asbestos removal procedures.

There are a few different ways to remove asbestos — so here’s a guide for you to learn about the correct asbestos removal processes for you to follow.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once largely used in a variety of construction materials. It comprises long, thin, flexible fibres that can be easily inhaled into the lungs. These asbestos fibres are resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion. Until the toxic effects of asbestos exposure came to light, its resistant properties made it a popular choice in the building and construction industry. It can be found in various materials, including:

  • Fibre cement sheeting and piping
  • Vinyl floor tiles
  • Electrical parts
  • Popcorn ceiling texture
  • Textured paint
  • Heat-resistant boards around wood stoves
  • Home siding

The dangerous impact of asbestos

Asbestos exposure is hazardous as it can lead to a number of serious health problems, such as lung cancer, lung scarring or mesothelioma, a specific illness associated with inhaling asbestos. As asbestos often remains undetected by homeowners, it’s important to ensure that it’s assessed and removed safely and professionally.

Asbestos removal — how it works

If you’re thinking of planning an asbestos removal, it’s recommended that you consult a professional. While it may seem like a simple process for homeowners with a good DIY hand, it’s illegal in many Australian states to undertake the project without the presence of a specialist. There are two types of asbestos removal techniques, including:

Friable asbestos removal — Friable asbestos means that the material is in a powder form or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. This makes it a high air pollution risk and requires additional safety regulations during removal. This type of asbestos removal covers roof sheeting, fencing, vinyl floor tiles, cement walls, ceilings, and more.

Non-friable asbestos removal — Non-friable asbestos is tightly bonded with other materials. While it is less harmful than friable asbestos, the removal process for both requires precautions and safety gear. This type of asbestos removal covers roof insulation, pipe lagging, low-density board ceiling and wall linings, and more.

Regardless of the type of asbestos you want to get rid of, getting your property assessed by a licensed professional or lab is highly recommended. Once you receive your test results, immediately book a professional asbestos removal service to prevent any further damage or health concerns.

GBAR Group — licensed asbestos removal specialists near you

If you’re tired of dealing with the asbestos problem in your home and are searching for professional asbestos removal experts, GBAR Group is here to help. We are a hazardous materials remediation firm with asbestos removal licences in New South Wales and Queensland.

With GBAR Group’s team of asbestos removal specialists, you can rest assured that with us, your asbestos problem will be taken care of with professional expertise and compliance during the removal, handling and disposal processes. So if you’re looking to remove asbestos from your home or want to request a consultation, get in touch with us today. Our team will be happy to assist you with your queries and guide you through your asbestos removal process.

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