Asbestos is a term used for six different types of naturally
occurring minerals. Asbestos is made up of thin, but tough fiber that is
resistant to fire, heat and other chemicals. It is used in building materials such
as bricks, cement, concrete, coatings of fire retardant, pipes, insulation of
ceiling and much more. Asbestos is mostly found in three colors which are blue,
brown and white and their physical property changes when it is incorporated
with other materials.
There is a slight concern for cleaning asbestos and for many
decades, there have been many myths circulating about Asbestos removal,
especially in Melbourne. Some of them are true while others are not. Here are 5
common myths concerning about Asbestos Removal.
Myth I: “While
cleaning asbestos, if you breathe in one fiber, it will kill you”
This is not true. Asbestos contains different natural
properties and can be found in various rocks and stones all over the world.
This means that within a certain time, the rocks and stones weather into the
air, hence no matter where you live in this world, you might be breathing in small
amount of asbestos fiber which will not cause you much harm; however, if you
are overexposed to Asbestos, it can be fatal.
Myth II:
“Asbestos cause contagious diseases while cleaning”
The diseases that occur due to asbestos are not contagious
at all. Generally, asbestos can pass from one person to another through the
brush of their clothing. If a person works in places invaded with asbestos
(There are many such places in Melbourne), they are at high risk of
transferring asbestos to other people. It is better to wear protective clothes
before cleaning asbestos and right after finishing cleaning, placing the
protective clothes in a container, preventing exposure of asbestos to others.
Myth III: “White
asbestos or chrysotile is not hazardous”
This is not true. Compared to blue and brown asbestos, white
asbestos is very dangerous. Too much exposure can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma
which is a form of cancer that occurs in the linings of the organs of pleura
and peritoneum which are chest and abdomen. After many years of exposure to
asbestos, such fatal diseases occur.
Myth IV:
“Cleaning asbestos pipes regularly will not cause any health or environmental
dangers”
This is true. If the pipes are not cleaned regularly, it
will cause both health and environmental hazards. The pipes are built under the
ground where all the waste materials of a certain building are disposed through
it. You need to be careful while cleaning the pipes as if they get broken or
compress under tension, fibers are released.
Myth V: “You need
to have a proper understanding and knowledge of cleaning asbestos”
This is true. A person needs to receive a proper training
for asbestos removal or they will be at a high risk of releasing asbestos
fibers. You need to take safety precautions such as wear masks, protective
gloves and clothing. It is often wise to leave such matters to certified
asbestos removers. There are many companies of Asbestos
removal in Melbourne who employs certified cleaners.