Asbestos appeals to manufacturers and builders because it is heat and chemical-resistant, doesn’t corrode and provides excellent insulation. But it is hazardous when it becomes airborne.
That is why having all materials tested for asbestos before renovation work begins or before purchasing a property is essential. Only microscopic examination can identify the presence of asbestos fibres. For more asbestos testing procedure Adelaide, click here.
What is Asbestos Testing?
Asbestos testing involves removing small amounts of suspected asbestos-containing material from your property and analysing the samples. It is done in a controlled environment to ensure no harm is caused to anyone. It also provides a valuable report on whether asbestos is present, which is helpful for real estate transactions, repairs and renovations.
The only way to reliably identify asbestos fibres is through microscopic testing. X-rays and other non-invasive health tests, such as a pulmonary function test, may help to determine possible asbestos exposure but are insufficient to predict the risk of developing lung diseases. Diseases resulting from asbestos include two types of cancer: lung cancer and mesothelioma. In addition, asbestos exposure increases the risk of pleural plaques, which are thickening of the lining of the chest cavity.
Older homes built before stricter asbestos measures were introduced are likely to contain building materials containing asbestos in walls, flooring, roofs, fences, sheds and more. These can be disturbed during building and renovation work, releasing airborne asbestos fibres, which people in the area then inhale.
What Is the Cost of Asbestos Testing?
Asbestos is a hazardous material, and the fibres that are inhaled into the lungs can cause diseases such as lung cancer, pleural thickening, mesothelioma and more. That’s why it’s essential to get any asbestos testing done professionally. For more asbestos testing procedure Adelaide, click here.
The cost of an asbestos inspection can vary depending on a few factors. For example, if the asbestos is located outside and can be easily accessible, the price will be lower than if it’s located inside a building or home that requires extra work to reach it.
Similarly, the cost of testing will also depend on the type of material that’s being tested. Friable materials, which contain loosely packed fibres that can be quickly released into the air, tend to be more dangerous than bonded asbestos products such as cement or fibro. Asbestos samples need to be taken from the suspected material using professional equipment, and the results are then sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis.
Where Can I Get Asbestos Testing Done?
The only way to know if a material contains asbestos is to have it tested in a lab. Asbestos testing involves a specialist analysing samples of suspect materials under a microscope. Samples can be taken from residential properties or workplaces.
Asbestos can be sealed or covered, but this should only be carried out by a professional tradesperson who is licensed to handle asbestos. It is also essential to understand what types of asbestos are present on your property so that you can take the appropriate safety precautions. For more asbestos testing procedure Adelaide, click here.
A professional inspection and expert testing for asbestos in your Adelaide property is essential before renovating or extending your home. Asbestos is a dangerous fibre that can cause severe and even fatal conditions. When it breaks down, it releases tiny particles into people’s air. It can lead to various health problems, from breathing issues to cancers. That is why a professional test is essential to ensure that the safety of your family or workers is not compromised.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used for decades in Australia in building materials such as ceilings, roofing, walls, flooring and more. Generally, buildings constructed before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos as it was commonly used in homes. Even older buildings and sheds may contain asbestos. Asbestos is found in both friable and non-friable forms. Friable asbestos can crumble under light pressure and turn into a speck of dust. Non-friable asbestos is much harder to break down.