Asbestos has been known to human beings for a since ancient times. It has gone by many names over the years. In ancient Rome, it was a very expensive and sought after element. In fact, only rich people could afford it, but they didn’t have much actual use for it. Typically, rich Romans would make gloves or handkerchiefs out of the material. They would then put their hands into a fire to prove how insulated their hands were by the asbestos; it was mostly just a party trick. Later on, it became clear how useful asbestos could be as a form of insulation. Those same properties that kept the hands of ancient Romans from burning are the qualities that kept heat from transferring in and out of a home. For a long time, it was a primary insulation in residential and commercial areas. However, scientists discovered that asbestos is a carcinogen; in fact, it is responsible for causing cancer in many people. It does not cause cancer simply by existing, but instead, it must be inhaled in its fibrous form. That’s what leads to the two methods of treating asbestos and the different jobs.
Removal
Removal is one method of dealing with asbestos. Asbestos is a solid particulate that has the ability to be broken into fibres. This typically happens when something disturbs the asbestos. For example, trying to remove the asbestos is actually a common way that people get into trouble. That’s why it is a job that should only be attempted by professionals. Since asbestos use was so widespread for so long, there is asbestos all over the UK in buildings. The danger you face when trying to remove it has created an entire highly-paid profession. UK asbestos jobs are great paying jobs that require skilled professionals. They are always in demand.
To remove asbestos, you have to reduce disturbances to the asbestos. Also, you must eliminate the possibility of breathing in the fibres. That typically means HEPA vacuums, plastic sheeting, and many other safety measures. These are the things that keep the workers and the public safe. However, that’s not the only method for dealing with asbestos.
Stabilisation
You can also seek to neutralise the threat of asbestos. Since, as stated earlier, asbestos is only dangerous when inhaled in its fibrous form, you may instead decide to prevent it from being inhaled. In certain places, asbestos doesn’t actually pose much danger; it could be in an attic away from disturbances or in some unused corner of a basement. Typically, in those scenarios, professionals will try to reduce the impact of the asbestos as much as possible. That can be done by painting over the asbestos with a thick layer of paint. Also, you can try to cover the asbestos with another wall or surface so that it will remain undisturbed. As long as it is in solid form and undisturbed, it is safe.
Asbestos professionals make those kinds of decisions; for that reason and several others, they are highly sought-after professionals.
