What is Asbestos, and Why is it so Dangerous?
Asbestos can be dangerous and a health hazard to people and the environment.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in various industries and building materials due to its unique properties, such as heat resistance, durability, fire resistance, and insulating capabilities.
In years past, people viewed asbestos as a versatile product. It efficiently and inexpensively reduces heat, so they use it in many products. The problem is if it enters the body, particularly the lungs. The body’s antibodies attack foreign particles that enter the body and break them down for elimination. Unfortunately, asbestos is a base mineral that will not break down. In simple terms, the body will build up antibodies around the asbestos, ending up with an undissolved lump.
Health Risks
Over time and in larger quantities, this led to many health problems, such as lung cancer, Asbestosis, and Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs and other organs. A national ban on all forms of asbestos occurred on 31 December 2003. The ban includes a prohibition on work involving asbestos or ACM in workplaces. It aims to reduce health risks.
The level of risk is dependent on time and degree of exposure. Asbestos fibres are generally divided into two categories: friable and non-friable. Again, using simple terms, this is the risk of them being airborne. Non-friable is often called “bonded” or mixed with or within another product. This reduces the airborne risk compared to friable, which can easily disturb and float in the air for a long time. Remember that these asbestos particles can be as small as 1/200th of the width of a single human hair.
Types of Asbestos
The most common types of asbestos used in Australia have been:
Chrysotile (white asbestos): The most used example, Chrysotile, is white with soft, curly fibres.
Amosite (brown asbestos): has straight grey-to-brown fibres, and people use it where they need more strength. This included the manufacture of asbestos-cement pipes.
Crocidolite (blue asbestos): Blue Asbestos has fine, straight blue fibres for projects requiring acid resistance.
How To Tell If It’s Friable Or Bonded
Asbestos products are generally considered friable or non-friable/bonded. This terminology refers to how easily the product may release fibres when disturbed.
Friable (class A) Asbestos
Friable asbestos, also known as class A asbestos, is the most hazardous material. You can crumble or break it with little pressure, reducing it to a powder. If this happens in your home, you must take immediate action.
Friable asbestos is more likely to release airborne asbestos fibres when disturbed.
Examples of friable asbestos-containing materials include sprayed-on insulation, pipe, and ceiling tiles.
People see friable asbestos as more hazardous than non-friable asbestos. This is because it releases asbestos fibres into the air, which people can inhale.
Inhaling asbestos fibres is very risky. It can cause lung diseases and various cancers, such as mesothelioma.
Due to the increased risk of fibre release, strict regulations and guidelines govern the handling, removal, and disposal of friable asbestos-containing materials.
Non-friable Asbestos
Non-friable asbestos refers to asbestos-containing materials. The asbestos fibres are firmly bound in these materials, making them less likely to release airborne fibres when undisturbed.
Non-friable asbestos-containing materials are common. They include asbestos-cement sheets, pipes, flooring, and roofing.
Non-friable asbestos is less likely to release fibres into the air. But, it can still pose a health risk if someone damages, deteriorates, or disturbs it.
How We Can Help
Are you currently involved in demolition and need the building inspected by a licensed asbestos assessor to identify risks to your property?
AOHS is associated with multiple other companies throughout Australia and can potentially recommend contractors for demolition and asbestos removal specialists.
Or, if you suspect asbestos, contact our company, and we can connect you with a contractor to help resolve your issues.
