What To Do If You Suspect You Have Asbestos In Your Home

Asbestos is a dangerous construction material that was used throughout the UK. Keep reading to find out why it is so dangerous and what you should do if you suspect you have asbestos in your home.

What Is Asbestos And Why Is It Dangerous?

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used across many properties from approximately 1930 to 1980 for fire-proofing and strengthening. Since 1993, the use of asbestos has been banned in most products, but many refurbished properties from this time may still have asbestos materials.

Health Concerns

Asbestos was classified as a health risk to people, as the material caused an array of health problems in people across the UK. Today, over 5000 people die each year due to asbestos exposure. It has now been classified as a carcinogenic material, and the fibres are so strong that they cannot be broken down by the human body. This is why inhaling asbestos fibres and being exposed to this material can be so dangerous.

Symptoms To Look Out For

Some of the symptoms from asbestos exposure can be:

●    Chest pains

●    Wheezing & A persistent cough

●    Fatigue

●    Shortness of breath

Asbestos exposure can lead to more complicated health problems such as long-term long conditions, Mesothelioma and Asbestosis.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Asbestos In My Home?

If you suspect that you have asbestos in your home, it’s important that you take the right steps to ensure your safety.

Firsty, you should stop working and clear the area immediately, notifying your employer (if you are working) or your landlord/building owner if the property is your home. Get in touch with anybody who may be affected by the asbestos and let them know about the hazard. Do not disturb the asbestos. This is vital to ensuring it doesn’t spread any further or become a more prominent risk.

You should call your local council for advice, or a professional service to help you deal with the asbestos. Structural surveyors may be able to assess your property and identify the source of the asbestos. They will also be able to advise you on what to do next, or find a safe way to dispose of the asbestos. Your council should also be able to give you some advice on what to do in this case.

Simon Levy Associates

Here at Simon Levy Associates, we provide a range of project management services and have a reliable team of building surveyors who are ready to help you with any property issues. For further enquiries about our services and what we do, feel free to contact us, or check out our website for more information.