Sydney is a famous city and is the capital of New South Wales. It is the most populous city in Australia and home to some of the oldest buildings in the country. Meanwhile, in the mid-1980s, asbestos was commonly used in Australia to construct homes and buildings. Many houses in Sydney built or renovated between 1945 and 1990 contain this material. So, asbestos testing in Sydney helps to identify and minimise the chances of people getting exposed to this hazardous material and protects them from health hazards. As such, any building in Sydney that is to be renovated or demolished must be tested for this harmful substance.
A survey within a building helps to identify things that contain materials. These fibres are deadly and attack the body silently and cause lung diseases and cancer. The strands are not visible, and samples are taken during the survey to identify their presence. So, a survey reveals the location of the fibre and the type, quantity, and condition. After completing the assessment, plans are made to manage the risks.
What Is Asbestos?
It is, basically, a mineral, and it is made of flexible and soft fibres resistant to corrosion, heat, and electricity. It is a highly toxic material that can break down into thin strands. It is found in ceiling tiles, roof shingles, duct insulation, floor tiles, linoleums, and ironing board covers. Generally, people cannot see or feel these thread-like structures. They get into the body through breathing, and the fibres get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation. So, testing helps to know if this harmful mineral is present in the air.
Testing Methods
- Air testing is done to monitor the number of strands in the air. The strands spread into the air when the material is disturbed. Therefore air is pumped through a filter membrane to collect the fibres. Air testing results indicate the possible levels of harmful chemicals in the air. And if the level is below the control limit, it is considered to be safe, and above the limit leads to health hazards.
- In bulk sample testing, a small piece of solid material from a suspected area is taken as a sample. The sample is collected carefully, and the material is disturbed as little as possible. Cutting a piece of the sample causes the filaments to become airborne. So, the testing inspector sprays the material with water before collecting a sample, preventing the fibres from getting into the air. The sample is taken to a laboratory for testing.
- Dust sampling helps to identify the fibres that have settled into the dust. It determines whether these threads are present in the dust due to improper repair work in the past. So, a sample is collected and analysed in the laboratory to determine the level of the harmful mineral. Phase contrast light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy are the commonly used testing methods.
Benefits of Testing
Asbestos testing gives peace of mind by helping people avoid the risk of poisoning and asbestosis. Family members and workers can stay safe by avoiding exposure to these fibres. Besides, the value of a property increases when it is proved that it has no harmful material in the structure.
Sometimes, these fibres may be present in some areas of a home. And when this material becomes loose or disintegrated, it must be inspected and tested. During remodelling or demolition processes, things are broken or crushed, releasing the strands into the air.
Many people do asbestos testing in Sydney to keep their homes and surroundings free of this harmful substance. Exposure to these fibres for extended periods causes several serious health issues. But, testing helps people to live safely without worrying about the risks of this mineral.