Asbestos, once a widely-used building material, poses significant health risks when disturbed. While it was praised for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, we now know the long-term effects of exposure can be fatal. In Auckland, many homes built before the 1980s may still contain asbestos. This raises concerns for homeowners about the potential risks involved with asbestos and the importance of safe, professional removal.
In this blog post, we will explore why asbestos removal auckland is crucial, focusing on the dangers of asbestos, the benefits of professional removal, and how to ensure your home is safe.
Understanding Asbestos and Its Dangers
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was heavily used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement. It was especially popular from the 1940s to the 1980s because of its durability and resistance to fire, heat, and chemicals. However, asbestos fibers, when disturbed, become airborne and can be inhaled. This is where the danger lies.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
The primary concern with asbestos exposure is the potential for serious, long-term health issues. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause:
- Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that causes lung tissue scarring, making breathing difficult.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, especially for smokers.
- Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, or heart. This cancer is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.
- Pleural Plaques: Thickened patches on the lining of the lungs, which can impair lung function over time.
The effects of asbestos exposure may take 20 to 50 years to manifest, meaning individuals exposed decades ago may only now be experiencing symptoms. This latency period adds to the danger, as individuals may not know they’ve been exposed until it’s too late.
The Need for Professional Asbestos Removal
Auckland homeowners must be aware of the risks involved with DIY asbestos removal. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without proper precautions can lead to serious home contamination, putting residents at risk.
Here are several reasons why professional asbestos removal is essential:
Specialized Training and Expertise
Certified asbestos removal professionals undergo extensive training to identify, handle, and dispose of asbestos safely. This involves knowledge of where asbestos may be located, how to contain it, and how to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. A professional team is equipped with the skills and equipment to assess the situation correctly, ensuring that every possible risk is mitigated.
Professionals can also determine the type of asbestos present in your home. There are different forms of asbestos, some more hazardous than others. Blue and brown asbestos, for instance, are more dangerous than white asbestos due to their fiber composition. Identifying the type of asbestos helps determine the best removal strategy.
Compliance with Local and National Regulations
In New Zealand, strict regulations govern the handling and removal of asbestos, including the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. These laws ensure that asbestos removal is conducted in a way that minimizes exposure to residents, workers, and the environment. Professional asbestos removal companies are familiar with these regulations and are fully licensed to carry out the work.
Attempting to remove asbestos without adhering to these regulations can result in legal consequences, hefty fines, and serious health risks. Additionally, non-compliance can affect your ability to sell your property in the future, as potential buyers may require certification that the property is asbestos-free.
Advanced Equipment and Safety Measures
Professional asbestos removal companies use advanced tools and protective gear to safely remove asbestos without contaminating the surrounding area. They have access to specialized equipment, such as:
- Negative air pressure units: To prevent asbestos fibers from spreading during removal.
- HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums: For thorough cleaning after removal.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Including respirators, protective suits, and gloves to ensure workers are not exposed to fibers.
Homeowners attempting to remove asbestos on their own would likely not have access to this equipment, which could result in incomplete removal and potential contamination.
Safe Disposal of Asbestos
Asbestos is classified as hazardous waste, and it must be disposed of in designated facilities. A professional removal team ensures that all asbestos materials are sealed and transported safely to an appropriate disposal site. Improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination and heavy penalties.
Professional asbestos removal companies also keep detailed records of the removal process, including waste disposal documentation, which may be required for future legal or real estate transactions.
Minimizing Health Risks for You and Your Family
The primary reason for hiring professionals is to protect the health and safety of everyone in the home. Without the proper precautions, asbestos fibers can spread to other areas of the house, leading to long-term exposure for your family, pets, and even neighbors. By entrusting the job to certified experts, you are minimizing the health risks and ensuring the safe handling of a dangerous material.
How to Determine If Your Home Has Asbestos
If your Auckland home was built before 1980, it is highly likely to contain asbestos in some form. Even homes built in the early 1990s may still have traces of asbestos in roofing materials, cement, or insulation.
Areas Where Asbestos May Be Present:
- Roofing and gutters
- Insulation in walls and ceilings
- Vinyl flooring and adhesives
- Cement sheeting in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages
- Textured paint or plaster on walls and ceilings
- Pipe lagging (insulation)
The first step in addressing potential asbestos in your home is to have it professionally inspected. A licensed asbestos inspector can assess whether your home contains asbestos and recommend the appropriate removal plan if necessary.
Choosing the Right Asbestos Removal Professional in Auckland
When choosing an asbestos removal company in Auckland, consider the following:
- Certification and Licensing: Ensure the company is fully licensed and certified to handle asbestos removal by New Zealand’s regulations.
- Experience and Expertise: Choose a company with a strong track record in asbestos removal. Check for customer reviews and testimonials.
- Comprehensive Service: Look for a company that offers a full range of services, from inspection and risk assessment to removal and safe disposal.
- Insurance: Make sure the company has insurance coverage in case of any accidents or contamination during the removal process.
Conclusion
Asbestos is not a material to take lightly. The risks associated with exposure are severe and often life-threatening. The importance of professional asbestos removal cannot be overstated for Auckland homeowners. It’s essential to avoid DIY solutions, as these may exacerbate the problem and put you and your family at risk.
