Recycling Articles : Recycling Asbestos

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Asbestos is a building insulation material that was enthusiastically used in houses and public buildings before it was discovered that it contained potent carcinogens in the 1970s. It was touted as “the miracle mineral” due to its pliability and the fact that it was heat resistant and therefore many homes built before this period possess asbestos insulation. It comes in three types: white, blue and brown and unfortunately all are equally dangerous to handle.

The danger from handling asbestos comes from the fibres. If you disturb the fibres of which it is made and they become airborne then they can be very harmful if inhaled casuing diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

For this reason, you must always use a facemask and gloves when handling asbestos or, preferably, hire a professional to do the job for you.

Once you have removed the asbestos from its place in your home, keep it damp and contained within a plastic bag whilst you transport it to the dump. The dampness prevents the fibres from flaking off and becoming airborne and the plastic bag wraps it together for the same purpose.

However, preferable to taking it to the dump would be taking it to your local council’s household waste recycling centre. If in any doubt as to how to dispose of asbestos or whether they will accept it at the waste recycling centre, contact your local council for details.

When asbestos is recycled it is turned into a harmless silicate glass which sometimes finds its way into such recycled household products as porcelain tiles, walltiles and ceramic bricks. In conclusion, asbestos is a dangerous substance that your home could do without and recycling is a useful way to get rid of it without harming the earth or others around you.

If you are in any doubt as to the proper way to handle or dispose of asbestos, it’s always best to call in a professional waste disposal company or the local council authorities.

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