Myths about Asbestos Products

People don’t like to talk about asbestos. It’s a bit of a taboo subject, because of its associations with several serious diseases. Because of this, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding asbestos products. As people don’t discuss it regularly (you don’t really want to tell people that your home/business is filled with a deadly substance) its hard to bring light to the facts, and set the record straight.

We’re here to talk about some of these myths, and debunk a few…

Myth: All asbestos products are dangerous.

Truth: Asbestos is only dangerous in its airborne form. As we explained in our blog, What To Do If You Find Asbestos In Your Business Or Home, asbestos products are only dangerous if they have been damaged. Asbestos removal should only be considered in this case. Otherwise, we would recommend asbestos encapsulation as an alternative. This is acknowledged throughout the asbestos removal industry as the best procedure.

Myth: Asbestos products are easy to identify.

Truth: They are not. It requires extensive asbestos sampling and testing of a product to be sure that it contains asbestos. Check out our infographics showing where to find asbestos in your home or business. If you are unsure about any product you find, be sure to contact an asbestos removal company immediately, to review the affected area.

Myth: White asbestos (chrysotile) is not dangerous.

Truth: Whilst white asbestos (chrysotile) is less dangerous than brown and blue asbestos products, it is still dangerous. Exposure to the fibres of white asbestos is still considered a health risk.

Myth: It is safe to remove asbestos yourself, as long as you wear a mask.

Truth: Asbestos removal is very dangerous, and should only be attempted by a certified asbestos removal specialist. Unless removed correctly, the removal of asbestos products will cause the fibres to be released into the air. An unsafe level of asbestos will remain in the air, leading to health risks.

This is also the case with all asbestos works. Unless completed to the industry standard, asbestos will become an even larger health hazard.

Myth: As long as you leave it alone, asbestos will not be a problem.

Truth: This is slightly contradictory to our earlier statement, but you should never ignore asbestos products. Even if they seem to be intact, contact a licensed professional to evaluate the potential risk. In most cases, the asbestos will not need to be removed, but preventative measures may need to be taken.