It's safe to say by now, pretty much everyone is aware of the dangers asbestos poses. Despite the fact that it had a number of positive points, the dangers it posed to human wellbeing could often prove to be devastating. Realising the risks associated with asbestos material and other asbestos-containing materials is vital to the safety and long term health of the individuals encountering it.
Here at Trusted Roofers Dundee we have been licensed by the UK Asbestos Training Association and have all the relevant certifications to work with and dispose of asbestos. It's never been simpler to replace your roof with risk free roofing made from modern materials.
Dangers of Asbestos
Although since banned for use in construction, nearly everyone will get exposed to asbestos in some form during their life due to it's prolific use in the past. If the asbestos is disturbed, it can release tiny fibres, which end up being inhaled and get trapped in the lungs. Repeat exposure leads to an accumulation of these fibres which often causes serious health issues.
Here are some common conditions linked to asbestos exposure:
Asbestosis
Caused by high exposure over a long duration, asbestosis causes extensive scarring of the lungs that leads to difficulty breathing and a dry crackling sound when breathing. In the later stages, cardiac arrest is common.
Cancer of the lungs
Laborers presented to asbestos have exceptionally high odds of having cellular breakdown in the lungs particularly the individuals who smoke. Studies show that these faculty who smoke have a 90 percent possibility of developing cancer in the lungs.
Mesothelioma
Developing in a thin membrane that lines the lungs, abdomen, heart and chest, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is nearly always caused by asbestos exposure. Those at risk from this are often turn out to be those that work in mines or factories that have high asbestos content.
As detailed, asbestos ends up causing some form of damage to most people, but the severity of which seems to depend on the following three factors.
- Levels of exposure: The greater duration you are exposed and the higher the level of fibres that enter your lungs has a drastic effect on the chances of developing side effects.
- Age: Children are much more susceptible to developing mesothelioma compared to adults, with multiple cases developing the condition after cross contamination with asbestos fibres from the clothes of parents that have been exposed.
- Smokers: Individuals who don't smoke have a greatly reduced chance at developing lung cancer when compared to those that do smoke when both being exposed to asbestos.
Areas in Dundee Where Asbestos are May be Found
There are lots of building materials that contain asbestos, aside from those found in a house, which is why it's important to be able to identify these so you can take the relevant precautions if it's found.
Asbestos can be found in floor and ceiling tiles, electrical insulation, wall panels, cement, wall/attic insulation, boiler insulation, paper and millboard. We most commonly find it in garages roofing.
If in doubt, hire a professional to take care of it for you.
Why Hire a Roofing Company to Take Care of Your Asbestos?
If your home contains asbestos, the best thing you can do is hire a qualified company to deal with it for you, they will have the correct training and PPE to keep themselves and you safe.
Normally, asbestos doesn't pose a threat if it's not disturbed, so if you find some, leave it be and call the experts.
Our roofers have the relevant training and PPE to be able to safely handle asbestos roofing when carrying out roof repair work and have the proper systems in place to dispose of it in accordance with local legislation.
If you've found or suspect asbestos to be present in your roofing, please feel free to get in touch with the team at Trusted Roofers Dundee and we will take care of it for you.