Can I Get Tested for Asbestos Exposure in Hampshire?

If you live in Hampshire or the South East of England, you may be wondering if there is a way to get tested for asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was widely used in building materials until the 1980s, when its health risks were finally recognised. Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause a range of serious lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. In this landing page, we will discuss who to contact and what to expect when getting tested for asbestos exposure in Hampshire.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the late 20th century. Its heat-resistant properties made it popular as an insulator and fireproofing material, and it was used in everything from cement and roofing materials to textiles and brake pads. However, asbestos is now known to be extremely dangerous to human health. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, tiny fibers can be released into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs, causing scarring, inflammation, and other damage over time.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure can cause a number of serious lung diseases, including:

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that occurs when asbestos fibers cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and a crackling sound when breathing. Asbestosis can lead to respiratory failure and heart failure in severe cases.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. Asbestos exposure is a known cause of lung cancer, and people who have been exposed to asbestos are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer than those who have not.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen. It is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, and the symptoms may not appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure. Mesothelioma is usually fatal, and there is currently no cure.

How Asbestos Exposure Occurs

Asbestos exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, releasing fibers into the air. This can happen during construction work or renovations, or when old buildings containing asbestos are demolished. People who work in industries that use asbestos, such as shipbuilding, construction, and insulation manufacturing, are also at higher risk of exposure. Knowing if you have been exposed to asbestos is important so treatment can start as soon as possible.

The Latent Period

One of the unique aspects of asbestos exposure is the long latency period before symptoms typically appear. The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can be anywhere from 10 to 50 years or longer, so people who were exposed to asbestos several decades ago may just now be experiencing symptoms. This makes it even more important to get tested for asbestos exposure as soon as possible, especially if you think you may have been exposed in the past.

Who to Contact for Asbestos Testing

If you are concerned about asbestos exposure, the first step is to call a qualified asbestos testing company. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are an asbestos testing company in Hampshire that offers affordable testing services for both residential and commercial properties. We have years of experience in asbestos testing and can provide you with the peace of mind you need.

What to Expect During Asbestos Testing

During asbestos testing, a qualified inspector will come to your property and take samples of any materials that may contain asbestos. These samples will be sent to a laboratory for testing, and the results will be returned within a few days. If asbestos is found, it will need to be professionally removed for the safety of all those who may have been exposed.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are committed to providing affordable and reliable asbestos testing and removal services to our customers in Hampshire and the South East of England. If you have concerns about asbestos exposure, contact us today at 01962 458066 or [email protected] to schedule an asbestos testing appointment. We are here to help you stay healthy and safe. Protect yourself today by getting tested.