Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once commonly used in building materials due to its strength, durability, and heat-resistant properties. However, it is now well known that asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Although the use of asbestos in building materials has been banned in many countries, it is still present in many older buildings and materials, including some pool construction materials.
If you’re considering a pool construction project for your home or business, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with asbestos exposure during pool construction. Unfortunately, there are many common misconceptions about asbestos and pool construction, so let’s separate fact from fiction.
Myth #1: Asbestos is banned and therefore not an issue.
Although asbestos use is banned in many countries, including the United States, it is still present in many older buildings and materials in Australia. Asbestos-containing materials that were installed before the ban can still release dangerous fibres into the air, particularly during renovation or demolition work. That’s why it’s crucial to have an asbestos testing service inspect any materials that may contain asbestos and even the surroundings of the site before beginning any pool construction. By doing so, you can ensure that you are complying with Australian regulations regarding asbestos and protecting the health and safety of everyone involved in the pool construction project.
Myth #2: Asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed.
Asbestos fibres are incredibly small and can be easily inhaled. Even when asbestos-containing materials are not visibly disturbed, they can release fibres into the air. That’s why it’s important to have proper protective gear when working with any materials that may contain asbestos. Also, any cutting, sanding, or drilling into asbestos-containing materials can release a significant amount of fibres, making it important to take proper precautions.
Myth #3: Pool construction materials are asbestos-free.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Common pool construction materials such as cement, insulation, and even pool steel fixing may contain asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in cement-based products, including pipes, tiles, and roofing materials. Fibreglass insulation, which was also commonly used in pool construction, often contained asbestos as well. Additionally, some pool steel fixing materials may contain asbestos, particularly if they were installed before the asbestos ban.
That’s why it’s important to have an asbestos expert on board when building a pool to make sure you can avoid this. Getting help from pool steel fixing experts is equally important so you can make wiser decisions before starting any construction.
Myth #4: Asbestos exposure only affects workers on the job site.
While workers are certainly at higher risk for asbestos exposure, anyone in the vicinity of the job site can be affected. Asbestos fibres can travel through the air and settle on nearby surfaces, making it important to take proper precautions and ensure proper disposal of any materials that may contain asbestos. Homeowners, passersby, and even pets can be exposed to asbestos fibres during construction or renovation work.
Myth #5: Asbestos is only found in older pools.
Asbestos-containing materials can still be found in newer pools in Australia as well. Although the use of asbestos in building materials has decreased significantly since the 1970s, it was not fully banned in Australia until 2003. Additionally, some imported building materials may still contain asbestos. That’s why it’s crucial to have an asbestos testing service inspect any materials that may contain asbestos before beginning any pool construction. By doing so, you can ensure that your pool construction project is safe and compliant with Australian regulations regarding asbestos.
Myth #6: Asbestos-related diseases only occur after long-term exposure.
Although many cases of asbestos-related diseases occur after long-term exposure, even short-term asbestos exposure can cause health problems. Asbestos fibres can remain in the lungs for years or even decades, leading to the development of serious health problems. Symptoms may not appear for many years after exposure, making it important to take preventative measures to minimise exposure.
Myth #7: DIY removal of asbestos-containing materials is safe.
Asbestos removal should only be done by trained professionals who have the proper equipment and knowledge to safely remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials. Attempting to remove these materials on your own can result in significant exposure to asbestos fibres and could be dangerous to your health. It is always best to hire an asbestos removal company to safely remove any materials that may contain asbestos.
Myth #8: Asbestos exposure only occurs during the installation of pool construction materials.
Dangerous asbestos fibres can be released into the air during the renovation or demolition of pool construction materials that contain asbestos. This can happen when the materials are cut, drilled, sanded, or otherwise disturbed. The fibres can then be easily inhaled or ingested by workers and bystanders, leading to serious health problems. So it’s important to note that asbestos-containing materials are not always easy to identify. Some materials may look and feel like non-asbestos materials, while others may be hidden behind walls or ceilings.
Myth #9: Asbestos exposure only occurs through inhalation.
Asbestos fibres can also be ingested if they settle on food or drinks, or if they are transferred from hands to mouth. This is particularly concerning for construction workers who may not have access to clean water and may inadvertently ingest asbestos fibres. This is why workers who deal with asbestos wear specialised protective equipment and take necessary precautions when working with this substance.
Myth #10: Asbestos exposure only affects humans.
Asbestos exposure can also affect pets and other animals in Australia, particularly if they are exposed to asbestos fibres in their environment. Pets can inhale or ingest asbestos fibres just like humans, which can lead to serious health problems. Pets, especially dogs, are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure due to their tendency to sniff around and explore their surroundings. Asbestos fibres can easily settle on their fur, paws, or nose and be transferred into their body when they groom themselves or lick their fur.
Conclusion
Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was once commonly used in building materials due to its strength, durability, and heat-resistant properties. Although its use is now banned in many countries, asbestos-containing materials can still be found in many older buildings and materials, including some pool construction materials. It’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with asbestos exposure during pool construction, asbestos can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. To ensure the safety and compliance of your pool construction project, it’s crucial to have an asbestos testing service inspect any materials that may contain asbestos before beginning any work. Additionally, only trained professionals with the proper equipment and knowledge should handle the removal of any asbestos-containing materials.
