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Asbestos - It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time
Asbestos has been used for 4,500 years. The warning signs have been noted and recorded for more than 2,000 years. Even though the Greeks observed 'sickness of the lungs', associated with asbestos handling, it was ignored. The seemingly magic properties of asbestos blinded all to the insidious effects.
In over 2,000 years nothing changed.
The Signs Have Always Been There
After a break of several centuries, asbestos re-emerged during the industrial revolution of the 1800s where it was used for high temperature products.
In 1917-18 large numbers of deaths were noted in asbestos mining towns. Then in 1924 an English doctor made the first diagnosis of asbestosis. In 1930 asbestos was linked to cancer, but further study was halted and companies covered up health related issues. The staggeringly diverse uses of asbestos were seen as too good to pass up - despite the human cost.
What Is Asbestos
Asbestos consists of a variety of fibrous silicate materials made of impure magnesium and showing increased resistance to acid and fire. For this reason, asbestos is ideal for thermal and electrical insulation, broad ranging building materials, fire proofing and the list goes on.
From the 50s to the 80s asbestos was extensively used across the building industry and everyone enjoyed the flexibility and diversity of the product. Asbestos was made into vinyl tiles and backing for flooring, mixed into paint and plaster across walls and ceilings in private homes, schools and commercial buildings.
Why Is Asbestos So Dangerous?
Asbestos demonstrates the unique ability for the visible strands, bundles and fibres to split - and then continue to split until they reach microscopic levels of detection. The fibres become so small they remain airborne longer and can pass undetected into the respiratory tract, defeating even the body's dust defence.
Exposure to the elements and atmospheric pollutants effect and corrode asbestos releasing fibres into the atmosphere and rainwater. Even routine maintenance or repairs can release millions of fibres.
Inhalation can cause pleural plaques, asbestosis and mesothelioma and has a causative effect on cancers of the lung, oesophagus and the colon. It can take up to 40 years before symptoms occur and it is only now that the tragic consequences of large-scale, un-controlled, unsafe removal practices are starting to show.
It Is Time We Started Learning From The Past
Sydney City Roofing are specialists in commercial asbestos removal, disposal, repair and encapsulation. It must be realised that asbestos removal or repair and asbestos disposal is too dangerous to be attempted by anyone not holding an asbestos removal licence.
If your asbestos roof is in poor repair, the issue must be addressed, most likely through replacement.
If your asbestos roof is in comparatively good condition it is possible to use an asbestos roof treatment to secure your roof, even your asbestos ceiling or other critical areas. We would then seal your roofing with Insultec membrane to complete the containment of your asbestos. Australia is only now beginning to heed the warnings - asbestos must be safely removed or contained.
For further information about the identification and risks, contact WorkSafe or the Asbestos Disease Society of Australia. For the safe removal or encapsulation of asbestos on your commercial site, contact Sydney City Roofing on 1300 725 988.