The only way to know for sure whether your roof contains asbestos is to have a sample tested by professionals in a certified laboratory.
Is it safe to have an asbestos roof.
Asbestos is not toxic as such the problem to human health from asbestos is inhaled fibres in the lungs causing asbestosis.
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.
If you walk on on an asbestos roof sheet it can give way without warning leading to serious injury or even death.
Asbestosis which is a permanent scarring of the lung tissue.
An asbestos cement roof is fragile.
It is only in scientific testing of a sample that determines asbestos in.
Accordingly if the material contains less than 1 asbestos it is safe and does not require removal.
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.
Initially the roofs were introduced to make inexpensive but sturdy military housing however after.
If asbestos in the roof spreads this will lead to a health hazard making people breath in the cancer causing chemical that can result in lung cancer mesothelioma etc.
We probably all know what they look like and in fact we may have come across this type of roof in our daily lives.
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.
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.
The pragmatic answer to this question is simply this.
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.
In asbestos roofing construction.
Your neighbour s may have asbestos roofs.
Asbestos cement roofs were invented at the end of the 19th century.
Attempting ordinary maintenance like repairing or replacing individual tiles or shingles to preserve the overall roof or siding can create asbestos dust.
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.
Over time these fibers can build up in your lungs causing lung cancer and mesothelioma a cancer of the lung and abdominal cavity lining.
The result of the test will lead you to the next step.