Asbestos is an exceptionally durable material used in construction from the 1940s until roughly the late 1980s. At that time, it was found that asbestos is responsible for a broad range of serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lungs, pleura, diaphragm, and chest.

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The dangers lie in the tiny fibres inhaled when the substance is damaged or disturbed. Many Melbourne residential houses were constructed using the product in several structural elements with either firm or loose binding.

The material has been banned in many countries, with most ceasing asbestos mining.

With it being prominent in the construction industry for many components of a house for so long, the common question is if people should live with asbestos in their homes. A first step in answering that question is to figure out if the house has the substance.

It’s unlikely after 1990 that, houses constructed in Australia will have asbestos. If the home was built prior to the 1990s, during the 1980s, or before, it’s “highly probable” to have these components.

It’s difficult to confirm, making it necessary for an asbestos assessor to test a sample or to simply assume it is and have professional remediation.

The Dangers of Asbestos and the Need for Professional Removal

When asbestos begins to deteriorate or is damaged, broken, or disturbed, the fibres are released into the air with the potential for inhalation and harm. These are the only instances when the material is harmful. When intact, the fibre cloud isn’t released.

The individuals experiencing illness or symptoms have likely had exposure to the dust for an extended time frame. The ailments develop over a considerable span. While undisturbed material in the home isn’t an immediate threat to your health, it also shouldn’t be neglected.

As time passes, the areas that contain asbestos can start to deteriorate, or there could be an inadvertent disturbance resulting in the airborne fibres. This can happen in a house with artificial brick cladding (aged) if a nail is hammered into the wall with no visible sign or odour.

The airborne fibres remain in the house for many years, all the while affecting the health of those living there. That means while technically it’s safe to live there and not disturb asbestos, when you know you have the material in your home, it’s more responsible to have it removed.

Carrying on in the day-to-day, with a remodel, or if you live in an area with severe weather, you won’t know whether the product will become disturbed or damaged.

Additionally, no one wants to live in a house that has the potential to cause severe illnesses, regardless of how long it can take for the ailment to appear. It’s better to hire a remediation team to adequately remove and dispose of the product.

While DIY removal is possible, the recommendation is to strongly consider using certified Melbourne professionals. While the team is working, it’s essential to leave the home to avoid airborne fibres.

The specialists will contain the area where the removal is taking place so those who must stay home can do so while keeping a distance from the affected space and wearing a respirator (EPA-approved.)

Choosing the Right Asbestos Removal Service in Melbourne

If material is tested in your home and tests positive for asbestos, the riskiest thing to do is to try DIY removal.

Even handling the material is dangerous considering the health repercussions, a primary reason for its ban in 2003 and the demand for professional removal services. Click for guidance on choosing a Melbourne removal team.

Contacting a removalist is critical if there’s a suspicion that the product could be present, or you intend to do remodelling or renovations. How can you find the best professional team for the removal? Let’s learn.

Research the history

A professional removal team will only do the best job if they have years in the industry performing removals; experience is the best teacher. Many removal services are available, but if there’s a limited project history, it can be risky to discern their skill, knowledge in containing the space, disposal methods, and on.

If the company produces a portfolio so you can see the work they’ve performed, it can help make a more informed decision. A priority is ensuring the team is credentialed and request to see the licensure. In addition, check out the company website and social networks to get more business details.

Do they test for other dangerous substances

While the company specialises in asbestos removal Melbourne, it’s wise to learn what specifically their services involve. Do they work with “friable” asbestos (crumbling asbestos)? How about other dangerous substances?

Reviews and testimonials

When researching the company, it’s vital to look for impartial third-party reviews for the business. These are more reliable than website reviews or testimonials. You can also check social networks, which will provide more detailed feedback from past and current clients.

Often if unsatisfied customers comment, a reputable company will respond to complaints with a possible solution. This can make a business look better than a website that only shows positive comments. It’s difficult to assess a company based on reviews on its own website.

Final Thought

If you believe your home contains asbestos, it’s vital to have an assessor test a sample to confirm it. While it’s noted that you can live in the home safely with it undisturbed, the recommendation is to have it removed when it’s revealed to avoid it inadvertently becoming disturbed or deteriorating over time.

It is unsafe to remove the dangerous substance in a DIY capacity. Professional removal services are available throughout Melbourne. The priority is to research for adequate credentials, qualifications, reviews, and experience before committing to one.

The best team will be able to provide a portfolio with project details, explain their protocol for removal and disposal, and supply references from past or current clients, along with copies of credentials. The best service will be transparent and informative.