Asbestos can be especially dangerous to children as they may not understand the dangers associated with the substance. It is natural to want to ensure your children are as safe as possible, so here are some tips to help you protect your children against asbestos.
Have an asbestos survey of your home
Clearly the most important step in protecting your children from asbestos is to ensure that there is no dangerous material in your home. There is an issue here in that many substances that look like asbestos are actually harmless, and also asbestos can be ‘hidden’ as a constituent part of another part of the home, such as concrete or roof tiles.
The only way to be completely sure is to have an asbestos survey carried out on the premises. Asbestos professionals can sample any potential material and send it away for testing. This is the only way to be sure about potential asbestos containing materials in your home.
Tell them about the dangers of asbestos
One of the most important ways you can protect children against asbestos exposure is simply to educate them about the risks and dangers. Children who understand what asbestos looks like can avoid it more easily.
Provide your children with information not only on what asbestos can look like, but also where it is commonly found, and what they should do if they find it – avoid it.
Let professionals carry out work on asbestos
Some parents panic when they find something that they believe is asbestos on their property. This can be a natural reaction, given the dangers associated with the substance. However, this can lead them to believe that the best thing to do is to get rid of the material as fast as they can. Unfortunately, this is a mistake.
Removing asbestos that is in good condition is generally much more dangerous than leaving it where it is. It is only when fibres get into the atmosphere and can be breathed in that the material becomes dangerous. Moving it when you do not have the training and experience to do so can actually create far more problems.
If you believe you need asbestos removed from your property, get in touch with professionals.