Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was a
POPULAR BUILDING MATERIAL FROM THE 1950'S TO 1990'S
where you may find asbestos in your home
Unfortunately, it’s hard to know if you’re working with asbestos because it is often mixed with other materials, however, if you work in a building built before 2000, it is likely that at least some parts of the building will contain asbestos.
Below are a selection of products that may contain Asbestos
Spray applied fireproofing
Mechanical insulation
Linoleum
Floor tiles
Fiber cement cladding and roofing
Textured decorative coating
Asbestos cement pipes
Switch boards
Why Is Asbestos Classified as a Hazardous Material?
Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibres that can easily become airborne and inhaled. Because of their shape, the asbestos particles cling to tissues of the lungs and other areas of the respiratory system. Over time, the tiny asbestos fibres can cause inflammation, causing a number of health problems, the three biggest of which are:
Mesothelioma This aggressive cancer forms in the thin membrane (mesothelium) that protects vital organs in the chest and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos is the only medically-verified cause of the disease.
Lung Cancer Most commonly associated with factors like smoking and radon, lung cancer is also known to be exacerbated by exposure to asbestos.
Asbestosis This degenerative respiratory condition results from the formation of scar tissue plaques on the surface of the pleura (lung linings). It can be a precursor to the onset of mesothelioma.