Asbestos is one of the most dangerous materials to ever be used in construction, and for a long time, it caused serious health issues for thousands of Australians and millions across the world. Still to this day, asbestos can be dangerous as it is found in many houses that were built before the 1990s across the country. However, most people won't even know what asbestos is when you ask them about it, and it is important that this knowledge is out there so fewer people get badly affected by it. Here are three things you must know about asbestos.
Asbestos Disposal
The first thing you need to know is that asbestos disposal is illegal in any regular rubbish collection, and you cannot simply leave it on your property if you know it is there. There are lists posted by various government bodies that tell you which landfill sites take asbestos disposal across the country, but often, these places only accept commercial visits, not from private individuals. That (along with many other reasons) is why asbestos disposal is always best left to the experts who have good relationships with these landfill sites and know all the rules and regulations surrounding asbestos disposal.
What Asbestos Looks Like
Asbestos was used in many different construction materials for decades, so it comes in many forms. The best way to know if something is at risk of containing asbestos is the date: does it date back to the '60s, '70s and '80s? Then it might contain asbestos. Roofing, insulation, flooring and more all contain asbestos, and the only real way to know is to get an expert analysis. In some cases, the asbestos fibres are more clearly visible and give it away but not always. It is important that when trying to identify asbestos, you do not break it as this can release the toxic fibres into the air, which is where they are most dangerous to you. When in doubt, you should always get a second professional opinion.
Travelling Overseas
Asbestos was not just a problem in Australia but all around the world. However, unlike Australia where asbestos was banned decades ago, many countries still use and continue to build constructions that contain asbestos. When travelling overseas, it is always best to protect yourself by not going into industrial districts, checking to see if that particular country has banned asbestos production and by staying in well-reviewed and hotels. The last thing you want to have to worry about is asbestos when travelling abroad, but it is a legitimate concern you should be wary of.