The Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos is now completely banned in the UK, but it was widely used as a building material from the 1950’s until the mid 1980’s and it can be found in buildings constructed as recently as 2000.
In the home, asbestos was commonly used for lagging pipes, in insulation boards and mixed with other materials to make roof and floor tiles. It was also a popular choice for garages and other outbuildings.
It was banned because it was recognised to be a serious health hazard, and it is now responsible for about 4000 deaths each year and many cases of debilitating illness. Today, the people most at risk are those whose work brings them into direct contact with asbestos such as builders, heating engineers, roofers and demolition workers.
The danger comes from microscopic asbestos fibres that become airborne when asbestos, or a material containing asbestos, is disturbed or damaged. If large numbers of these fibres are breathed in they can remain undetected in the lungs, usually for more than 20 years, before causing serious lung diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the membranes covering the lungs.
What should you do if you find asbestos in your home?
The most important thing is to leave it alone. If the asbestos is in good condition, normally hidden from view, and not likely to be accidentally damaged it won’t pose an immediate danger. But if you need to disturb it, perhaps to carry out repairs or alterations, the safest option is to get it removed. Not all asbestos is easily recognisable so if you come across any material that you are not certain about treat it as though it is asbestos unless an expert tells you otherwise.
How can you get asbestos removed?
Some types of asbestos, including asbestos lagging, sprays and coatings must only be removed by an asbestos removal contractor licensed by the Health and Safety Executive. If you want to remove a less dangerous type of asbestos yourself it will need to be sealed in strong, clearly labelled plastic bags and disposed of at a waste site licensed to accept asbestos. For your own protection you are strongly advised to wear disposable clothing and a suitable dust mask. It’s also important to keep any dust to a minimum and to isolate the work area so asbestos fibres cannot contaminate other parts of your home. If you have any doubts about your ability to do this it will probably be safer to call in a reputable asbestos removal contractor.
How can you find a specialist asbestos removal company?
For any type of domestic asbestos removal only use an approved contractor who is licensed by the Health and Safety Executive. To save time and wasted phone calls get an online asbestos removal quote from a website that does the checks for you and only deals with approved contractors.
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May 11th, 2010 | by roofing contractor |
By whats my name again on May 12, 2010
In the 1930s and 1940s, scientists recognized a causal link between asbestos exposure and asbestosis. In the 1950s and 1960s, researchers established asbestos as a predisposing factor for bronchogenic carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma.
The first lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers were in 1929. Since then, many lawsuits have been filed against asbestos manufacturers and employers [8] , for neglecting to implement safety measures after the link between asbestos, asbestosis and mesothelioma became known (some reports seem to place this as early as 1898 in modern times).
People most likely to develop asbestosis are those who've been exposed to asbestos for a long time. Most people with asbestosis acquired it on the job before the federal government began regulating the use of asbestos and asbestos products in the mid-1970s.
By ron9baseball on May 12, 2010
In many areas it is again local laws to do this. If you do it your self there is no record that is was done properly or legally and you may have a problem if you try to sell later and have no documentation.
You also have to dispose of the stuff and that also poses a problem. If you get caught hauling the stuff around there could be serious legal problems.
I understand what you are saying but I don't think I would take the risk for legal reasons as much as anything else.
By Blogger on May 12, 2010
i can’t believe it O__O !!!!! :O you are too talented for my eyes XDD HAHAHAHAAHA you are awesome !! unbelievable !! O__O
By Wordpress on May 12, 2010
Not only is your artwork amazing, but the music you make is great! Multi talented..No doubt about it. No wait..Multi gifted
By autumnrachellstarr on May 12, 2010
Nobody will ever tell you there is NO harm. On the outside, the asbestos probably has asbestos tile siding. You need to have it inspected for condition, but if whole and if you manage it correctly, the harm will be minimal. Radon and lead paint would be more of a concern with the house.
By Anonymous on May 12, 2010
I love Johnny Depp and I love your work so this is awsome :]
By one under god on May 13, 2010
no, it is a dumb move, because the dutch wont put up with their crap, they would have been smarter to move to china.
By Anonymous on May 12, 2010
This has to be your most realisitc one… It just looks like a photo.
By Anonymous on May 13, 2010
This is so cool! What an amazing drawing!
By momo on May 14, 2010
You should not be disturbing any asbestos intentionally under any circumstances. If you want "protection" a respirator is required, at least a half face, with a full face PAPR recommended. Both require training and physical exams to use. A dust mask will be of some protection if you are not disturbing anything and just walking. It just does not rise to a good level of "protection".
By Free Blog on May 14, 2010
you play guitar and a talented piano player and you are also an amazin artist
shit i feel like i’m nothin XD
By Rika on May 14, 2010
Small to none. Asbestos is dangerous when it is in dust form and airborne. You could seal it with a clear sealant or install new tile over it. Encapsulation is the best way for protection other than removal.
By Anonymous on May 14, 2010
oh my, this is beautiful.
simply beautiful …
By WPBlog Shop on May 14, 2010
man you’re my drawing idol…seriously…respect! and keep up the unbelievably good work
By Kat Strat on May 15, 2010
I'm assuming your building and/or its pipes and ducts are insulated with asbestos.
As long as the asbestos remains in the walls, it is HARMLESS.
If you breathe asbestos dust, you CAN develop lung problems (including cancer) years or decades later, but this is only an issue during renovation of buildings, or the actual removal of asbestos, when it is going to be disturbed.
In this state, the law says that a building owner or contractor, who discovers asbestos insulation while doing renovations, may leave it in the walls once, but the second time work is done in the building, the asbestos must be removed and replaced with safer forms of insulation.
By WHOA1 on May 15, 2010
Yes, don't dust a drum with an air gun w/o wearing a mask