Asbestos occurs naturally in the earth’s surface as a mineral in rocks and soils. It has fire resistant fibres that have high insulation and are also durable. This is what made it a popular building material in the first part of the 20th Century. It was used in pipes, thermal, electrical and acoustic insulation, roofing, fibro sheeting, fire-resistant insulation, gutters, water tanks and rainwater pipes.

Health risks

When asbestos is bonded, it poses no health hazards. However, if products containing the material are broken, cut, sanded, damaged, or drilled, the fibre is released into the air. If they are inhaled, they could result in asbestosis- a respiratory lung disease, where lung tissue gets scarred- or even mesothelioma- a rare cancer. Moreover, one could suffer from abdominal and non-cancerous diseases. The risk of contracting disease is highly dependent on the number of fibres inhaled as well as the length of time one inhaled them. Today, using the material in building has been banned. Asbestos removal in Northampton must therefore be done with the utmost care. 

Renovation

If you intend to do any renovations, you must ensure that your home is checked for asbestos, especially if it is ancient. If you actually know that you have products with the mineral in your home, you must inform the contractors before they begin renovation.

There are a number of ways of dealing with the mineral. You can reseal, remove, repair or enclose it. However, if the material has been sprayed, or if you have lagging or insulating boards, then asbestos removal in Northampton must only be done by a licensed asbestos contractor. Asbestos cement can be removed by contractors who are not licensed, but it must be taken to the waste transfer station at Brackmills Industrial Estate. This incurs some charges. You can also contract licensed companies for disposal of large amounts of the mineral.

Note that if the mineral is in good condition, and is not likely to be damaged or worked on, then you must leave it in place. Painting materials containing the mineral prevents dust from escaping. The best type of paint to use is an alkali-resistant primer or coating for cement products with asbestos.

Disposal

If you remove asbestos material from your home, ensure that you follow the following safety precautions:

• Wear a disposable overall or one that can be washed thoroughly after use
• Check whether there is any electricity that can react to water around the materials, and thoroughly wet the the materials with water that has some washing up liquid.
• Remove entire sheets or components.
• Clean the dust using a damp cloth and seal it in a plastic bag immediately.
• Keep people away from your working area
• Avoid using power tools
• Place loose items in strong plastic bags and seal them.
• Avoid using a vacuum cleaner as dust may pass via its filter

As we can see, asbestos removal in Northampton is not impossible, but it must be done with the utmost caution. If materials that contain the mineral are in good condition and are not likely to be damaged, then leaving them as they are is the best idea. However, if there is a need to remove them, you can do it yourself, but it is advisable to allow licensed professionals to take the reins as they have the necessary expertise.