Asbestos Soil Contamination Risks And Management

Risks Involved With Asbestos Soil Contamination And How To Manage It

Why Is Asbestos Harmful?

Asbestos as a substance has been recently linked to several respiratory diseases, including lung cancer. As awareness has been created of the dangers of asbestos, an increasing number of people are choosing to do away with it altogether. This may not be as feasible as it sounds because asbestos easily becomes airborne and is present in the water, soil and air. However, reducing large amounts of asbestos in an area can have a positive effect on reducing the risks.

People who are at risk of developing asbestos related respiratory diseases include those who come into regular contact with high quantities of it. These are people such as asbestos miners, asbestos managers, firefighters, plumbers etc. If you know that you regularly come into contact with this substance, there are particular symptoms you should look out for such as a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, general fatigue and chest pain.

Risk Of Soil Contamination

Asbestos in soil only becomes a danger when it is disturbed, becomes airborne and is inhaled. However, this will depend on a number of factors such as the type of asbestos, its quantity and use.

Asbestos that has bonded with another material, for instance like an asbestos cement sheet, then it is harder for the asbestos to detach itself to become airborne. Friable asbestos is the type that is most dangerous because of the easy way it becomes airborne, once it is disturbed in the soil.

Managing the Contamination

The proper control measures cannot be taken before the type of asbestos is identified. Tests can help identify the type, quantity and depth of the asbestos soil contamination. It is also important that air tests are conducted to determine how dangerous the asbestos is in the soil. This particular test is helpful in order to identify whether the soil poses a risk when disturbed, like during construction.

Disposing Of Contaminated Soil

There are several means through which contaminated soil can be disposed of. The first method involves removing all the contaminated soil and having it replaced with clean soil. Although the most expensive, it is also the most effective method to dispose of soil in asbestos. The second method involves segregating the affected soil and treating it. It is a more cost effective method as it requires using treatment on the contaminated soil. Additionally, it saves more time because of as opposed to moving large mounds of soil at a time; you are only sectioning a part and applying treatment.

It is advised that these methods be handled by professional asbestos removal companies who are equipped to handle such cases. If the soil is being moved, then it should be placed in several plastic bags that have been clearly labeled.

During the removal process, it is important that anyone who lacks the skills and correct gear to handle asbestos, should be far away from the site as possible.


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Asbestos Removal Sydney Wide is highly qualified in asbestos removal. With many years of experience, we will carefully and successfully carry out removal in any part of your home. Contact us online by visit at http://asbestosremovalsydneywide.com.au/asbestos-soil-contamination/ for the best removal services.