Older buildings hold historical charm and character, but they can also harbour hidden dangers, such as asbestos. Asbestos was a commonly used building material in Australia until the late 1980s due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, we now know that asbestos poses serious health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. This makes it crucial to be aware of potential asbestos threats lurking in older structures.

Identifying and addressing asbestos in older buildings can be challenging, as it is often hidden within construction materials. Disturbing these materials can release harmful asbestos fibres into the air, putting everyone nearby at risk. For homeowners and property managers, knowing where to look and recognising the importance of professional inspections can prevent dangerous exposure.

So, we’ll guide you through the common locations where asbestos might be hidden, the dangers of disturbing it, how to identify potential asbestos hazards, and the steps to take if you suspect or find asbestos in your building. By understanding these key points, you can ensure a safer environment and take appropriate actions to manage any asbestos risks effectively.

Common Locations of Hidden Asbestos in Older Buildings

Asbestos can be found in various unsuspected locations within older buildings, generally those constructed before the 1990s. Due to its widespread use for insulation and fire resistance, asbestos was incorporated into many building materials. One common location is insulation in walls, attics, and around pipes and boilers. 

Vinyl floor tiles and the backing material for these tiles often contain asbestos, as do some forms of linoleum. Roof shingles and siding materials, especially those made from “transite” (an asbestos-cement product), are frequent asbestos-containing items.

Asbestos may also be hidden in textured paints and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Other concealed places include older piping insulation, cement sheets, and joint compounds. 

Recognising these typical hiding spots is crucial for proactive asbestos management and safety planning, particularly before beginning renovation projects or any structural modifications that could disturb these materials.

Dangers of Disturbing Hidden Asbestos

Disturbing asbestos-containing materials releases microscopic fibres into the air. Inhalation of these fibres poses significant health risks. The most severe health consequences include lung cancer, asbestosis (a chronic lung disease), and mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining or abdominal cavity). These diseases typically develop after many years of exposure, highlighting the importance of immediate action upon discovering asbestos.

Renovations and building repairs are common scenarios where hidden asbestos becomes dangerous. Activities like drilling, sanding, cutting, or demolition can disturb asbestos materials, making the fibres airborne and breathable. 

Even minor renovations can create a significant health hazard if asbestos is present. Understanding these risks emphasises the importance of professional inspections and safe handling procedures before starting any renovation project.

Identifying Hidden Asbestos

Spotting hidden asbestos in your older building requires a keen eye and some knowledge of what to look for. Visual signs can include certain types of insulation around pipes or in attics that look like fluffy or loose material. 

Old floor tiles, particularly those 9-inch by 9-inch squares, are often asbestos-containing materials. If you see cracks or deterioration in these tiles or ceiling tiles, it could mean the asbestos fibres within are becoming airborne. Additionally, older cement sheets, roofing shingles, and even certain wall plasters may contain asbestos and could show signs of wear.

While these visual indicators can provide clues, professional testing is essential for confirmation. Only trained professionals can take proper samples and ensure they are analysed accurately in a lab. 

Professional testing is critical because it provides a definite answer and ensures the handling of suspected materials is safe. Professionals use specialised tools and follow strict protocols to prevent contamination, ensuring the safety of the building’s occupants.

Steps to Take if Hidden Asbestos Is Found

If you suspect or find hidden asbestos, immediate action is necessary to safeguard your health. The first step is to avoid disturbing the material further. Close off the area and ensure no one enters until professional help arrives. Do not try to remove or sample the material yourself, as improper handling can release dangerous fibres into the air.

Next, contact a professional asbestos removal service to assess the situation. We will conduct thorough testing to confirm the presence of asbestos and develop a safe removal plan. The removal process requires strict adherence to safety protocols, including sealing off the work area, using industrial-grade HEPA filters, and disposing of asbestos materials according to regulatory guidelines. 

Professional removal ensures that all asbestos fibres are safely contained and eliminated, significantly reducing health risks.

Asbestos Testing: A Must for Older Properties

Regular and thorough inspections for hidden asbestos are crucial to maintaining a safe environment in older buildings. Recognising common locations and understanding the dangers of disturbing asbestos can help in early identification. Professional testing and removal are essential steps to confirm and safely eliminate asbestos, preventing serious health risks.

Whenever asbestos is suspected, prompt action and professional intervention are key to ensuring safety. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate; take proactive measures to safeguard your property and health. If you need assistance with asbestos inspection or removal in Sydney, contact Sydney City Asbestos today for expert guidance and service!