Whilst asbestos isn’t harmful whilst undisturbed if the material is broken or handled without sufficient knowledge, it has the high chances to release fibers that may get trapped in the nose and the throat’s mucous membranes. This then creates a way for the fibers to find their way into the lungs and even the digestive tract, contributing to the growth of cancer. Asbestos is more dangerous when it’s dry, as it can be easily crushable by hand. Present underfoot and at risk of meeting with water, damaged (or deteriorated) tiles are common in domestic properties; due to the health risks posed by their fibers, they must be removed as a matter of priority when discovered.
Asbestos tiles can be damaged by:
- Any physical damage from buffing, cutting, striking, sawing off, drilling into, or grinding the tiles.
- Water damage (weakening the structure of the tiles).
- Aging of the tiles.
- The increased and constant vibration of the tiles.
If you have any immediate worries that any of your floor or roof tiles may be damaged, you should always get into contact with an asbestos disposal expert like Excavation Sydney to treat the issue.
