Asbestos Testing: Understanding the Risks and Taking the Right Actions
Asbestos: Meaning and Context
Once praised for its insulating and fire-resistant properties, asbestos is now considered one of the most concerning substances in terms of health and safety at work. In Switzerland, the use of asbestos in construction and renovation has been banned since 1989. Its microscopic fibers, invisible to the naked eye, can have serious health consequences when inhaled. Therefore, asbestos testing is of paramount importance to protect individual health and ensure safety in workplaces and residential buildings. This article will cover the importance of asbestos testing, health risks associated with asbestos exposure, detection of suspicious situations, the asbestos testing process, and the importance of engaging qualified experts.
1. The Importance of Asbestos Testing
Detecting asbestos is a challenging task that often requires accurate diagnosis. Asbestos testing is a crucial step in addressing the risks associated with this hazardous substance. Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry, including in tile dhesives, floor and wall coverings, fireproof materials, and many other applications. Many buildings constructed before the asbestos ban still contain this substance. Without accurate testing, it is impossible to know if asbestos is present in a building.
The presence of asbestos in a building can have serious consequences, but it is important to note that appropriate measures can be taken to minimize risks.
2. Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma (a type of cancer affecting the lung or abdominal membrane), and asbestosis (a serious lung disease). The risk is particularly high for people exposed to high concentrations of asbestos fibers repeatedly and over long periods. Mechanically weak materials, such as asbestos spray coatings, are more likely to release asbestos fibers into the air than solid materials. Even light contact or simply aging can lead to the release of asbestos fibers, increasing the risk for exposed individuals. Therefore, the type of material is an important factor to consider when assessing risks.
It is important to note that the symptoms of these diseases generally only appear decades after the initial exposure.
It should be emphasized that the mere presence of asbestos is not harmful. Asbestos only becomes dangerous when fine asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled.
3. Release of Asbestos Fibers Into the Air
In applications where asbestos is present in a weakly bound form – meaning that the asbestos is weakly bonded to the material and can easily detach – these are certain plastic coatings, soft boards, or similar materials. Due to their low resistance, they offer little resistance to mechanical stress. Therefore, the asbestos in them can be easily released, for example, during maintenance or cleaning work. Asbestos-containing boards and cardboard are often used as fireproof materials in boilers and electrical installations.
In applications where asbestos is strongly bound, such as asbestos-cement, tile adhesive, or plaster, more manipulation is required for the asbestos to be released. However, if these materials are damaged or worked on, this can also result in increased release of asbestos into the air.
4. The Asbestos Testing Process
Asbestos testing involves several essential steps:
Visual Inspection: An expert performs a thorough visual inspection to identify situations likely to contain asbestos. SOS Asbestos offers an economic and faster alternative using photos.
Sampling: When suspect materials are identified, samples are taken and sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. SOS Asbestos can send you a sampling kit to your home. You just have to collect the sample and send it back to us by mail.
Laboratory Test: The samples are analyzed to detect the presence and concentration of asbestos. The results serve as a basis for informed decisions on managing or removing the materials. SOS Asbestos allows for results to be obtained in 24 hours through a rapid asbestos test.
With SOS Asbestos, you also have the option of being connected with an expert who will perform a diagnosis and advise you. The diagnostic report includes the results of the inspection, laboratory analysis results, and detailed documentation of suspicious situations.
The cost of an asbestos analysis with SOS Asbestos is 80 CHF for standard conditions (3 days from receipt of the sample in the laboratory). An express asbestos analysis costs 120 CHF and is completed within 24 hours. The evaluation of a situation by an expert from photos costs 20 CHF.
5. Engaging Experts
To ensure reliable and accurate asbestos testing, it is essential to hire engage qualified experts. These professionals have the necessary knowledge to identify materials likely to contain asbestos, take appropriate samples, and correctly interpret the results. They are also familiar with current regulations and best safety practices. Thanks to the SOS Asbestos app, you can be connected with experts who will perform a diagnosis and advise you. The costs for on-site inspection and samplinge collection depend on the expert’s offer.