Is There A Test For Asbestos In The Air In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction during the mid-20th century. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that asbestos is incredibly dangerous to human health - inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma (a type of cancer), lung cancer, and asbestosis (a chronic respiratory disease). As such, many buildings constructed during the 20th century contain asbestos, particularly in materials such as insulation, flooring, and roofing.

If you live or work in a building that was constructed before the year 2000, it's worth investigating whether there is asbestos in the building. One of the main ways to do this is by hiring an affordable asbestos removal Hampshire company to conduct an asbestos survey. During this survey, an analyst will take samples from various areas of the building and send them to a lab for testing.

But what if you want to know whether there is asbestos in the air in your building? Can you test for asbestos in the air in Hampshire? The short answer is yes, but let's dive a little deeper.

Why test for asbestos in the air?

It's important to test for asbestos in the air because inhaling asbestos fibres can have serious health consequences. Even small amounts of asbestos can be dangerous - the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that any buildings with asbestos present should have regular air testing to ensure that the particles are not present at dangerous levels. This is particularly important if any asbestos-containing materials have been disturbed, such as during renovation or removal work.

How does asbestos get into the air?

Asbestos fibres are released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. For example, if asbestos insulation is disturbed during a renovation project, the fibres can become airborne and be inhaled by workers or occupants of the building. Asbestos-containing materials can also become friable (meaning they can break down into small particles) over time due to wear and tear, which can also release fibres into the air.

How is asbestos in the air tested?

To test for asbestos in the air, the building must undergo an air test. This involves taking a sample of air from the building and filtering it through a membrane filter. The filter is then analysed under a microscope to determine whether any asbestos fibres are present. The test results will show the amount of asbestos in the air (if any), as well as the type of asbestos fibre present.

When should you get an air test for asbestos?

If you have reason to believe that asbestos-containing materials have been disturbed in your building, or if you simply want to ensure that there is no dangerous level of asbestos in the air, it's a good idea to get an air test. This is particularly important if you are planning to carry out any renovation or removal work in the building.

What happens if asbestos is detected in the air?

If asbestos is detected in the air, there are several steps that need to be taken. First, any sources of asbestos in the building will need to be identified and removed (if possible). Any air handling systems in the building will need to be shut off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. Then, the building will need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove any asbestos fibres that may have settled on surfaces. Finally, another air test will need to be conducted to ensure that the asbestos has been removed from the air.

How can you prevent asbestos fibres from entering the air?

The best way to prevent asbestos fibres from entering the air is to properly encapsulate or remove any asbestos-containing materials in the building. Asbestos can be safely encapsulated (sealed) to prevent the release of fibres into the air. Alternatively, asbestos can be removed from the building entirely by an affordable asbestos removal Hampshire company. This will require a thorough asbestos survey to identify any asbestos-containing materials and create a safe removal plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos is a dangerous material that can have serious health consequences if inhaled. If you live or work in a building that was constructed before the year 2000, it's worth investigating whether there is asbestos in the building. One of the main ways to do this is by hiring an affordable asbestos removal Hampshire company to conduct an asbestos survey. During this survey, an analyst will take samples from various areas of the building and send them to a lab for testing.

If you are concerned that there may be asbestos in the air in your building, it's worth getting an air test. This involves taking a sample of air from the building and filtering it through a membrane filter. The filter is then analysed under a microscope to determine whether any asbestos fibres are present. If asbestos is detected in the air, it's important to have it removed by a professional company to prevent any health consequences. Contact us today to schedule an affordable asbestos survey and air test for your Hampshire property.