Tips On How To Manage Asbestos Soil Contamination
Asbestos is a mineral that forms naturally in the soil and consists of tiny fibres. If tampered with, the mineral produces dust containing asbestos. These asbestos fibres should not be inhaled by human beings as they cause a lot of health problems. A research study carried out in Vienna General Hospital confirms that asbestos causes life-threatening illnesses.
Asbestos has been known over the years to cause serious illnesses. Here are several complications associated with asbestos:
1. Asbestosis - This is a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. In this case, scar tissue develops and causes difficulty in breathing.
2. Pleural plaques - These are inflammations on the lining of lungs caused by accumulation of asbestos fibres in the lungs.
3. Lung cancer - This condition could be detected decades after exposure. Smokers are more vulnerable to such a condition.
Asbestos in the Soil
In cases of asbestos soil contamination, there may be two types of asbestos involved:
- Bound asbestos - With this type, the risk is slightly below average. This is because the fibres are bound together to form a bigger block that stays intact even when disturbed. The fibres of this type of asbestos may not be inhaled.
- Fibrous asbestos - This is the type that has loose fibres. The fibres are usually found dispersed in the soils. If tampered with, they can easily become airborne and get inhaled by unsuspecting people.
How Do You Properly Manage Contaminated Soil Without any Harmful Consequences?
Even the process of removing asbestos can be just as harmful as or even more harmful than living with the poisonous mineral. Therefore, it's very important to learn how you can manage asbestos in order to curb its harmful effects. Here are useful methods that help in management of asbestos in the soil:
- Wet the soil - In case the soil needs to be moved to a different location, it's essential to keep it wet to reduce chances of the fibres becoming airborne.
- Use of PPE - During the removal process, ensure that everyone working on the site has Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This helps reduce chances of carrying the fibres to other areas unknowingly and also protects workers from being exposed to harmful materials.
- "Do not Disturb" - Try as much as possible not to disturb the contaminated soil. Remember, if disturbed, the loose asbestos becomes airborne.
- Hire a licensed contractor - Don't try to remove the contaminated soil by yourself. Always hire a contractor to perform the tasks to avoid further contamination.
- Cover the soil - Try to cover the contaminated soil if you're going to leave it unattended. This will ensure that the contaminated soil doesn't mix with uncontaminated soil, especially when it gets windy.
It's strongly recommended that you ask for guidance from the National Environmental Protection Agency on how to manage the site without causing further damage. Ensure that all guidelines are followed correctly and your soil will go back to its original state. Above all, it's important to ensure that people living near the area are safe from such harmful asbestos fibres.
About the Author
Wade Rogers has worked with asbestos for a very long time. He will inspect your property and advice accordingly. The company has an excellent reputation for removing asbestos and their thorough methods. For professional removal services, you can visit http://asbestosremovalsydneywide.com.au/asbestos-roof-removal-sydney/ .
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