Is It Safe To Have An Asbestos Roof

Asbestos is widely regarded as a silent killer which can go often unnoticed and the idea of its presence in the building surrounding you is enough to create feelings of uneasiness and concern.

Is it safe to have an asbestos roof. The only way to know for sure whether your roof contains asbestos is to have a sample tested by professionals in a certified laboratory. The pragmatic answer to this question is simply this. If you walk on on an asbestos roof sheet it can give way without warning leading to serious injury or even death. Asbestos is not toxic as such the problem to human health from asbestos is inhaled fibres in the lungs causing asbestosis.

It is only in scientific testing of a sample that determines asbestos in. Over time these fibers can build up in your lungs causing lung cancer and mesothelioma a cancer of the lung and abdominal cavity lining. We probably all know what they look like and in fact we may have come across this type of roof in our daily lives. Furthermore asbestos roofing produces a higher asbestos concentration than other cement roof sheets.

The epa asbestos web site contains general information on asbestos sources exposure and health effects what to do if you suspect asbestos training and laws and regulations. If you are the building owner then there is an additional responsibility involved as you could be held culpable for the effects of the substance. Asbestos cement roofing sheets are a feature of our lives. Consequently safe access systems must be in place before any work commences to both prevent and arrest falls from height.

An asbestos cement roof is fragile. You may live near an industrial area where there are many hectares of asbestos roofs and there may be other asbestos products that we do not know about that is close by. It is not reasonable to repair most roofs or siding that have suffered significant deterioration or damage. Asbestos is a dangerous enough health risk that it even has a medical condition named for it.

Your neighbour s may have asbestos roofs. In asbestos roofing construction. Asbestos cement roofs were invented at the end of the 19th century. The result of the test will lead you to the next step.

Whilst there is no doubt that asbestos fibres are not good for your health is it safe to have an asbestos cement roof over your house. Asbestosis which is a permanent scarring of the lung tissue. Attempting ordinary maintenance like repairing or replacing individual tiles or shingles to preserve the overall roof or siding can create asbestos dust. Fibres that get washed off the roof into the rainwater butt will be damped down and can no more become airborn than the ones off the roof.