Asbestos Walls
Where are asbestos walls usually found in the home?
Asbestos walls are common in houses constructed between the 1950s and the 1980s. Asbestos walls were used because of their fireproofing, heat resistance and moisture resistance properties. In houses, asbestos walls are most commonly found in
- Bathrooms
- Laundries
- Kitchens
- External cladding;
- Garages
These rooms where a fire may start unattended as well as exposure to higher levels of moisture and damage which may arise.
What types of asbestos was used for walls?
Asbestos walls can contain the three asbestos types used in manufacuring including chysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos). There are several types of commonly manufactured products which were used for asbestos walls including:
- Asbestos Cement Sheet
- Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
- Asbestos corrugated wall lining
- Partition fence in garden
- Cement or AIB spandrel panels to internal or external asbestos walls
- External wall cladding to fibro homes
How can I tell if my ceiling contains asbestos ?
You cant tell just by looking at the wall!
Asbestos testing using a combination of stereo and polarised light microscopes to observe confirm the fibres are aniostropic with a specific refractive index can confirm the presence of asbestos. If you suspect that you may have an asbestos ceiling we strongly recommend that a NATA accredited asbestos inspector collect a sample due to the potential health issues.
When sampling the wall asbestos fibres may disperse within your breathing zone posing a risk. Correct sampling techniques for asbestos walls include wetting the surface down, using drop sheets, wearing protective respiratory equipment and disposable overalls.
Health risks due to asbestos walls
The risk of asbestos related health issues will depend on whether the asbestos wall comprises bonded or friable asbestos, the condition of the material and the use and occupancy of the area. Bonded asbestos walls made of cement sheet and corrugated asbestos are generally quite stable when they are in good condition and are only cause for concern during renovations or major refurbishment.
Need more information on asbestos walls?
For more information on asbestos walls in NSW, Sydney, ACT and Canberra, please email info@AsbestosTesting.com.au or call:
|
NSW & Sydney |
ACT & Canberra |
|
02 9624 2600 |
0439 401 121 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
02 9624 2600