Your Walls May Contain Asbestos, Discover the Risks!
When undertaking renovation, transformation, or demolition works in old buildings in Switzerland, a critical concern is the possible presence of asbestos. Once widely used for its insulation and fire-resistant properties, asbestos is now known for the victims it has caused. We can find it everywhere inside our building, as shown by “Asbestos house” on the SUVA website.
Construction Materials in Switzerland Likely to Contain Asbestos
In Switzerland, many different construction materials have been used for interior walls. Some of the materials used present potential risks due to their asbestos content.
Among the common construction materials that may contain asbestos, we especially find tile adhesives. They were often used in the past to glue tiles to interior walls. More rarely, plasters and renders containing asbestos were used. In this context, the base coat rarely contains asbestos; asbestos is normally found in the finish layer. In contrast, masonry mortar is not considered suspect for asbestos.
Furthermore, wallpapers with primers and glues were used to decorate the walls of many Swiss homes. Plastic wall coverings were also favored for their durability and attractive appearance.
Fiber-cement boards were mainly used outside, but they were also used on interior walls behind sinks, as fireproof support for lamps, or as heat protection for radiators and stoves. Always in the function of fire protection, so-called light panels may be found near heat sources and electrical installations.
All these materials can potentially contain asbestos if they were installed before the 1990s.
Indoor Air Pollution by Asbestos in Swiss Walls
To assess the potential risks related to the presence of asbestos in Swiss walls, it is essential to carry out an asbestos diagnosis. For a quick asbestos detection test, a material sample must be taken and analyzed in the laboratory.
You can use the following options to get information about a possible presence of asbestos:
- By sending us a photo of the suspect material : evaluating a situation based on a photo
- By taking a material sample yourself and following our instructions. it’s a quick asbestos test
- By contacting a specialist who will come on site to examine the situation.
This analysis determines whether materials contain asbestos fibers and to what extent. If it turns out there is asbestos in the walls, there is no need to panic yet. As long as the walls are not modified, there will be no release of asbestos. It is important to conduct investigations before undertaking construction work, as it may be necessary to remediate harmful substances before the actual construction project. In this case, to remove the asbestos, it might be worth calling in a professional to provide a quote for the asbestos removal project.
Exposure to Asbestos in Walls and Health Risks
Asbestos is characterized by its fibrous texture and high resistance. The consequences of asbestos exposure in Switzerland should not be underestimated. They can be serious and range from respiratory problems to cancerous diseases. Our article “Asbestos Danger: Why is it Important?” helps you understand the dangers of asbestos , as well as the necessity of taking strict precautions to minimize exposure.