Do you know that your own house can give you cancer?
Cancer and your house construction don’t seem related at all. Asbestos in the building components can cause serious diseases. Who thought that the construction material in your house in Sydney could turn fatal for you or your family members?
The good news is – asbestos material in a building isn’t harmful unless you get exposed to it. Although, if you start with renovation or any demolition of any part of your house, it can leak out and cause harm. Since the slightest contact can be risky, asbestos testing in Sydney is essential for a building renovation of 20 years or more.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a highly effective fire-repellant material used in buildings constructed during the 1940s to 1990s. It is a naturally occurring heat, fire and corrosion resistant toxic material. The material can cause long-term damage and even rare lung cancer, Mesothelioma, once it ends up in your system.
Widely used in building constructions, you can find it in almost every corner of your house.
- Asbestos fibre was one of the main ingredients during the attic construction in many houses to store the goods.
- As vintage as it feels if your house has vinyl floor tiles, it’s highly likely that it might contain asbestos.
- The windows require heat insulation through caulking, especially if you live in a humid environment, which asbestos catered to.
- Even in the paints of your house, asbestos can be available to make it more heat resistant.
- The hot water pipes can lose heat if not covered with an insulating material, and asbestos came in handy earlier.
From your roof to the cement composition, asbestos can not only be found but also prove harmful if any wear-tear causes exposure.
When Should You Worry About Asbestos?
Asbestos inside the construction material isn’t harmful unless it faces any tear, abrasion or water damage. The damage lets the material’s fibre out and exposes you to the dust in the air over a long period. Moreover, you need to get exposed for a long time before developing any symptoms to detect.
The best method to prevent any exposure and get a worry-free renovation done is by getting the house inspected by professionals.
What Should You Do if You Find Out About Asbestos in Your House?
DON’T TOUCH IT.
Any disturbance can cause the asbestos fibre to exist in the air and find a place in your lungs once you breathe. Even though prolonged exposure puts you at risk, instant heavy exposure can create severe health conditions for you.
Now, once you have figured out if the material is asbestos, you should:
- Not indulge in the repair or demolition work all by yourself without conducting asbestos testing in Sydney
- Take as much precaution as possible to avoid damage and contact with the material containing asbestos
- Not get your cleaning genie up and start wiping or dusting the area
- Leave the task of asbestos sample collection to the experts only
- Avoid disposing of asbestos with regular household waste for the public’s safety
The Bottom Line
Vintage houses become beautiful, especially if you’re an old soul and have an emotional connection. The presence of asbestos in the places can appear problematic only if tampered with. The moment you figure out you have the toxic material in your home, it’s better to leave it as it is.
The final tip? Unless the repair work completes with sealing and covering, you should avoid visiting the site as well.