Removing mould from asbestos materials
When mould is present on asbestos the hazardous potential of this material take preference before mould. Working with asbestos materials falls under The Control of Asbestos Regulations and supervision of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Although asbestos won't cause a problem when untouched, it can pose a serious health hazards when disturbed. In homes the most likely asbestos materials which could be colonised by mould are:
- Decorative finishes (Artex)- on walls and ceilings
- Wall panelling
- Asbestos insulation panelling in cupboards or bathrooms – bath panels, pipe boxing
- Insulation in loft and under floor boards
If mould is present on any of these materials and you know that they contain asbestos you must not undertake any work on them. Improper handling these materials could leave to exposing yourself and your loved ones to asbestos which far more hazardous than mould.
In case you suspect that that the material could contain asbestos you should have in tested by an accredited laboratory before you undertake any work. If it turns out not to be asbestos then you'll be fine to remove the mould by any recommended technique. However if the mould is growing on asbestos then a fully trained expert will have come to remove it safely.
A specially trained expert will be able to come and remove the asbestos and mould. This is important as they are professionals and know the correct methods and safety precautions needed to remove the hazardous material safely. Although asbestos was banned in the mid 1980's many building still have asbestos in them which is why if you think something is asbestos it's not worth taking the risk, hire a specially trained contractor who can tell you for certain and advise you on the best route to take.
Asbestos can cause four serious diseases which when detected is normally too late and the damage is already done and can be fatal. These diseases are:
- Mesothelioma - a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs. This is almost always fatal and normally too late to resolve once the problem is found.
- Lung Cancer- lung cancer is almost always fatal and the symptoms from asbestos are the same as the ones that smokers get.
- Asbestosis – A disease caused by long exposure to large amounts of asbestos, this disease usually causes shortness of breath and trouble breathing.
- Pleural thickening – This is where the lung walls become bigger and swelled; if the problem is serious then a shortness of breath can be experienced and tightening of the chest.
