Asbestos Lives Among Us

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The risks that come along with the use of asbestos have long been documented. Doctors have known about the links with asbestos to cancer and Mesothelioma since the 20's and 30's. You would think that asbestos would be a concern of the past but asbestos is still being manufactured and used by many countries. Asbestos is not a thing of the past and is used in dozens of products found in everybody's homes. It is important to recognize that asbestos lives among us still and an asbestos survey is a good way to find out if your property is one of many that utilize asbestos products.

Asbestos in an undisturbed form is not harmful. The damage comes in when if asbestos is disturbed or broken up. The fibers of asbestos break very easily. One fiber can break into many smaller fibers that then become airborne. These tiny fibers are easily inhaled and this is the problem. Because of this risk it is important to conduct an asbestos survey on any property built before 2000 that you want to renovate. You must identify which materials in the home may contain asbestos so that it can be removed properly and safely.

Asbestos ...
... has been incorporated into many materials like floor and ceiling tiles, plasters and spackles, adhesives and even automotive parts. Any one can be exposed to asbestos with it found in so many products. Most of us probably have been exposed to asbestos. However, the level of exposure that can lead to health problems is usually experienced by a few professions. Construction and maintenance are a couple of these professions that are at high risk. Firefighters also can be exposed often to high levels of asbestos. Asbestos surveys can help recognize the potential risks. The asbestos surveys make property owners and property management responsible for the hidden risks that may lie in these properties. The implementation of asbestos surveys has helped minimized the risk of exposure to asbestos and protect the workers that are most often unknowingly exposed.

Who is required to do an asbestos survey and when is dependent upon the country you live in and whether or not you own the property in question. It is important to comply with the rules and regulations for asbestos surveys. Most asbestos surveys are then followed with a management plan that can help you properly remove the materials and or decide if the materials have been disturbed or if they can remain as is in tact without risk to exposure.

Knowledge is one of the best tools that you can arm yourself with when it comes to asbestos and asbestos exposure. If you are in a profession that has a high risk for asbestos exposure it is a good idea to have an idea of which products and materials are most likely to contain asbestos so that they can either be avoided or handled with extra precautions. Asbestos is a killer and unfortunately it is all around us.

Author Bio.

Asbestos can be found in many products. It is important to conduct an Asbestos survey to know what materials on your property contain asbestos. Using a company like Asbestos Surveyors can ensure accurate, safe, and professional asbestos surveys.