Asbestos is a health threat hidden within old properties. Numerous contractors once used this material due to its resistance against damage from heat and chemical sources. Today, asbestos is now globally banned due to being a cause of Mesothelioma and lung cancer, among other diseases.
The material has since been completely banned. However, there are still places which contain the substance.
If your house, office, shop or building was built before the ‘80s, the property might still contain asbestos. Below are the most common places where this deadly material can be found:
Window and door seals
Asbestos can be found in caulk or sealant products which are placed on windows and doors. The material’s heat resistance is suitable to keeping temperate air from passing through the sealant. Caulk with asbestos was also once used to increase the efficiency of gasket seals found in furnace doors. Apart from high heat resistance, the caulk is also able to create a tight pressure seal.
Property insulation
Asbestos is mostly used as an insulating material in homes built before the 90s. The material can keep the heat from escaping the house. It is also able to efficiently block a lot of noise. Asbestos insulation is often placed between walls and in ceilings.
Concrete or wood adhesion
Before the 1980s, asbestos was used in many adhesion products to secure wooden or concrete materials in place. This is due to the tensile strength of the asbestos fibres, which ensures anything attached to it is secure. This type of adhesion can be found in floors, walls and ceilings.
Vintage furniture
Asbestos was often used in furniture between the 1930s and ‘60s. The material was used in chairs to provide a cushioning support. Couches with springs installed inside them may have asbestos within the underside. Furniture with this hazardous material weaved into it are often dyed in gold or silver. Asbestos stuffing and woven fabrics have a fibrous quality when seen up close.
It is important to be aware of asbestos in the home or office. If you suspect there is any asbestos in your vicinity, do not attempt to touch or disturb it. Call a professional contractor at Asbestos Removals Australia on 0406 426 144 to have a specialist inspect your house today; We are located near Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast