Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in industrial and commercial buildings for decades. It’s essential to know the dangers of asbestos in office buildings because it can lead to severe illnesses if not managed correctly, which is why it would benefit your business if you have the course for asbestos removal worker!
This article will talk about how asbestos becomes dangerous, what types of products may have asbestos, and what you should do if you think your workplace contains asbestos. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to identify any problems with your building and take steps to protect yourself from these harmful chemicals!
What is Asbestos?
So, continuing from what we’ve touched in the preamble, we know that asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in industrial and commercial buildings for decades. This means it can be found anywhere from older subway stations to warehouses and even office buildings (which may contain the biggest risk). There are three types of asbestos:
- Chrysotile – also known as white asbestos; this type has been mined more than any other type globally, making it almost every day.
- Crocidolite, also known as blue asbestos, was a rare form of asbestos mined in South Africa until 1970 when mining stopped because it caused cancer in miners who worked with the mineral regularly.
- Amosite – this type was primarily found in Africa and was mined in South Africa, but it’s now banned because of its link to cancer.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
Now that you know what asbestos is, you should know where it might be found in your office building. If you’re not sure whether or not there’s asbestos in your workplace, here are some places to look:
- Air Handling Units – if these were built before the 1980s, they could contain asbestos insulation boards and gaskets; this is one of the most common areas for asbestos in office buildings.
- Light Fixtures – pull switch plates and cover plates off the ceiling or wall since these are common places for asbestos insulation boards to have been attached; if they don’t come out easily, you should call a professional who can remove them safely!
- Water Pipes – between 1960-the 1980s, water pipes could have been made with asbestos, so be sure to check yours if you suspect there might be a problem.
The Bottom Line
Asbestos is dangerous and can cause serious illnesses if not managed correctly, which is why you must know about its potential dangers and what to do next. Once you determine whether or not your office building contains asbestos, contact a professional who can help with the removal process!
