1. Chrysotile (white)
2. Crocidolite (blue)
3. Amosite (brown)
All these forms of asbestos are cancer-causing and toxic. Anything that has more than 0.1% of asbestos in it is known as hazardous waste.
• Did you know that a selection of Persian kings including the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne is said to have owned these miraculous asbestos cloths, which would be put into the fire, removed, cleaned, and still remain in one piece? This would, of course, astonish all the guests – hence, giving asbestos the status of something magical in nature.
• It wasn’t until the 1800s that asbestos was mined in industries and become well-known among the public.
• A town situated in Quebec, Canada, is called Asbestos.
• The first person who is recorded in history to have died from asbestos was called Nellie Kershaw, a textile worker who died at the age of 33 in 1924.
1. First and foremost, it’s worth mentioning (again) that asbestos is incredibly hazardous. So, it’s important to handle it with care. Ideally, you should hire an expert and trained asbestos removal specialist. However, if you choose to remove asbestos yourself, ensure that you’re wearing gloves, goggles, and a dust mask before sealing the asbestos in a plastic bag. If your property is rented, you need to tell your landlord as it is their responsibility to deal with the asbestos.
2. Take the asbestos to a local tip. Before doing so, check whether your local council allows this or prefers to remove it themselves. You should also check whether the local tip or site is authorised to accept asbestos waste. In other words, they should have the appropriate permit or licence.
3. The majority of councils tend to offer an asbestos collection service. So, you could ask your council to collect the hazardous material. The only downside is that you could be waiting for quite some time – at least a week or so – before you are given a collection time.
4. Call in professional asbestos removal contractors.
Mesothelioma
If you’re exposed to asbestos, you could get mesothelioma – a type of cancer that impacts the lining of your digestive tract and lungs.
Asbestosis
This is a condition where your lungs are seriously scarred after exposure to asbestos over numerous years.
Death
While cars are known to be the most dangerous mode of transport, deaths from asbestos-related illnesses are far higher – despite fewer people being exposed to the risks.
A milling process can be used to break down the asbestos strands into minerals that are inert and non-hazardous.
The most common method uses heat above 1,250 degrees to break down asbestos and materials containing asbestos in a solution of hydroxide. The non-hazardous glass that is produced as a result can be used to make stoneware products.
Get in touch with our expert team for all your asbestos disposal needs today.
