As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your home is safe for you and your family to live in. Making sure your electrics are installed by a professional and that you don’t have any fire hazards lying around are just a few to name on the long list of dangers around the home. One of the most commonly overlooked dangers in the home is asbestos. It’s a naturally occurring material that was heavily used in construction materials between the 1930s and the 1970s.
When undamaged, asbestos isn’t considered dangerous. However, if the material begins to break down and you’re exposed to it, it could lead to some serious health issues. When asbestos breaks down, small fibrous particles come free that are sharp and can cause major lung problems which could leave you with asthma, COPD or other lung conditions. Asbestos was banned when this issue was found in 1999, so it’s very possible that many buildings around the world still contain asbestos.
This is why it’s essential to test your home for asbestos and to get rid of it professionally as soon as possible if it is found. Let’s start with some commonly asked questions about asbestos.
Asbestos FAQs
How do I know if my home has asbestos?
Any homes that were built before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos. If you’re unsure when your property was built, now is a good time to look into it. An asbestos testing kit can give you the peace of mind knowing you and your family aren’t at risk.
What are the signs of asbestos problems?
Unfortunately, problems caused by asbestos aren’t very visible to the human eye. You may only begin to notice signs if you disturb the asbestos in your home during construction projects and notice fibres in the air or respiratory conditions showing out of nowhere.
How do asbestos testing kits work?
Getting that peace of mind will be a high priority for you if you discover your home was built during the times they used it in construction, and asbestos testing kits are a quick, easy and cheap way of checking for asbestos in your home. Here’s how to use the kits effectively:
1. Purchase a reliable asbestos testing kit
First and foremost, it’s important to buy a reliable kit to test your home for asbestos. Look for kits that are accredited and give you precise instructions for us. A decent brand will have a website with more information and details. Buying an off-brand and non-accredited asbestos testing kit may mean you get unreliable results.
2. Prepare the testing area
You’ll need to make sure you’re wearing the right protective gear for the next steps, including a face mask and gloves. It’s a good idea to wet the area you’re testing to minimise the amount of asbestos particles released into the air.
3. Collect a sample
Use the tools you received in your asbestos testing kit to carefully collect a sample of the suspected material. Make sure you put the sample in the container the kit provided and that you’re following the instructions that came with the kit. Remember to seal the container well, and don’t remove your protective gear until you’re away from the suspected source.
4. Send the sample off to a testing service
Your sample kit will have come with the address of a certified testing service. They may have included a prepaid envelope for this. Make sure you seal it properly and post it to the address given.
5. Wait for the results
It shouldn’t take too long to receive the results of your asbestos test. It can be as little as a few days. If asbestos is present, the testing service will provide you with information and advice about what to do next.
What are the benefits of asbestos kits?
- Cost-effective: compared to hiring a professional to come and inspect the area, these kits are very inexpensive.
- Convenient: you can test at a time suitable to you and results don’t take very long to come back.
- Peace of mind: it’s a horrible thought that there may be danger in your own home, so it gives you that peace of mind for you and your family.
Asbestos testing is very important in the home or the office. DIY asbestos testing kits allow people like you to be proactive when it comes to the presence of asbestos in your home. Follow the steps in this guide for your peace of mind and the safety of you and your family.