Many people have likely heard of asbestos but may not know exactly what it is. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and rocks. Decades ago, they were commonly used with construction materials, textiles, and automotive parts. Their popularity rose quickly because they were resistant to many things such as electricity, heat, or chemicals. Because they were able to resist so much, asbestos was widely used in many household products. Now, however, many companies focus on removing asbestos, because of some of the dangers it poses to humans.
How is Asbestos Harmful?
When asbestos fibres are formed, but they can very easily separate into many different pieces when they are damaged or when not handled properly. The fibres cannot be seen, but they can be inhaled. There is no known way to reverse any damage, which can cause long-term health problems that can lead to many different cancers such as mesothelioma, a cancer directly linked to asbestos. These cancers can sometimes take decades to develop but are almost exclusively tied to those that have worked with asbestos in the past.
While asbestos is linked to cancers, it most commonly affects the lungs. Asbestos exposure can take a very long time to present symptoms, but this does not make it any less dangerous if you are exposed to asbestos. The important thing is to make sure it is safely removed. Due to these health dangers, Australia has many asbestos removal companies in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond. These companies will help safely remove asbestos from your home and help decrease your chances of any illnesses.
Where Can Asbestos be Found?
Due to the increased popularity, there were many different products that contained asbestos. This would include many household goods such as:
- Insulations for walls, attics, and basements
- Shingles on the roof
- Underneath floor tiles, such as vinyl
- Blankets that help protect hot water pipes
While many companies have turned away from asbestos use, the places that pose the most threat are older houses and buildings. It is very likely with an older building that asbestos was used in the creation. If you live in an older house, it is a great idea to call professionals to have them look at the house for any asbestos and then safely remove it from your home.
