Perform precise fibre measurements for asbestos fibers with measuring device SG12
If asbestos-containing substances are suspected, an asbestos measurement should be carried out. With our measuring device SG12 fiber measurements for asbestos fibers, our measurement technicians check whether asbestos is present.
If materials containing asbestos were found during the asbestos measurement, professional removal is absolutely advisable. There are some important points to bear in mind during removal and disposal.
Asbestos must be removed with as little dust as possible and it must also be stored appropriately. As asbestos is a pollutant, the relevant legal regulations apply.
You can find more information on asbestos measurement in the blog on asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous silicate mineral with a fiber diameter of less than 2µm. Asbestos fibres are characterized by their high heat resistance, chemical resistance and non-flammability. Due to its high bonding capacity and flexibility, asbestos used to be widely used in households.
Asbestos is now known to be harmful to health and has therefore been banned in Germany since 1993 and is removed (if discovered) and replaced with other materials.
Danger from asbestos
Asbestos has a carcinogenic effect, i.e. it causes cancer, and can lead to asbestosis. This is a respiratory disease caused by repeated contact with asbestos. When the fibers are inhaled, the fine pulmonary alveoli are irritated, leading to scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue and promoting the formation of tumors. Since the 1930s, various asbestos-related diseases have been recognized as occupational diseases and are statistically listed as such. Contact should therefore be avoided at all costs. Asbestos is officially considered a pollutant and must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Occurrence of asbestos in everyday life
Due to its many properties, asbestos was once used in many ways in house construction. Asbestos is particularly common in houses built between 1960 and 1990. If renovation work or similar is to be carried out, asbestos-containing material may be released. But where can asbestos be found?
Here are some examples
- Asbestos in window putty
- Sealing joints with asbestos
- Lightweight panels containing asbestos (e.g. as fire doors for boiler rooms or under window sills)
- Abest under fluorescent tubes
- Switch or pipe insulation
- Tile adhesive containing asbestos that was used for kitchen or bathroom tiles
- Flower boxes made of asbestos cement
- Asbestos cement pipes
- Asbestos-containing floor coverings (Floor-Flex, Cushion-Vinyl)
- Electric storage heaters
- Asbestos-insulated boiler in the cellar
- Asbestos-containing socket outlet insulation
These are just a few examples of where asbestos can be found in the home.
Sources:
[1]: https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/asbest-nichts-fuer-heimwerker
[2]: https://www.krebsinformationsdienst.de/vorbeugung/risiken/asbest.php#inhalt2
[3]: https://blog.gsa-messgeraete.de/asbest/