Asbestos Removal Information.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, mined in Australia, Canada and South Africa during the 20th century. Its heat and sound resistant properties made it ideal for use in the manufacture of a wide range of products from pipe insulation, flooring materials, cement roofing and insulatory coatings to toilet cisterns, artex wall coatings and its wide range of use has resulted in asbestos now being present in some form in all but the newest of premises - its use was only completely prohibited in 1999.

The need for asbestos removal.

Asbestos is a Class One carcinogen but is only dangerous when the microscopic fibres are released into the air and breathed in. There is usually a long delay between the first exposure to asbestos dust and the onset of disease. This can be between 15 and 60 years, with the majority of people dying from asbestos related diseases now being exposed during the 50s and 60s.

Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer, currently kill over 3500 people each year in the UK. This figure is expected to rise to in excess of 10,000 per annum over the next ten years.

The danger from asbestos arises when the material is damaged or moved. Asbestos fibres may be released and breathed in, settling in the lungs of maintenance workers, plumbers, builders or whoever is in the area.

It is therefore vitally important to be aware of the location of asbestos containing materials within the workplace so that the potential of disturbance and fibre release can be prevented.

Arrange an asbestos survey.

To arrange an asbestos survey, and determine how our asbestos removal services can help you plaease contact us today.