Asbestos is a major concern The problem of asbestos use and exposure comes from the fact that the mineral has many useful properties that make it very important as an insulating material. For this reason, it has been used for decades in the construction of everything from buildings and houses to fire escapes and sealants. Recently, though, there has been a growing amount of attention paid to the dangers of being exposed to asbestos, especially when it comes to building materials. A recent lawsuit claims to have resulted from the result of someone suffering from mesothelioma after being exposed to a significant amount of asbestos in his work building.
What is asbestos in terms of a building material is important to understand. It is primarily a soft silicate mineral that is found in bundles of thin fibers that are often manufactured into sheets and threads. When these fibers are placed together very tightly, they create a strong but flexible plastic-like substance that has many good thermal qualities. This material was commonly used in thermal insulation and in cement manufacturing, long before there were concerns about its harmful qualities. It is a major component in a number of different building materials that are commonly utilised today, including roofing shingles, ceiling tiles, flooring, textiles, insulation, and roofing felt.
Unfortunately, asbestos is not always as safe as we think. If asbestos is improperly used, it can release large amounts of harmless chemicals into the air that are released into the atmosphere. This is why if it is present a Building Survey Birmingham based company like https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/Homebuyers-Survey/Home-Buyers-Survey-Birmingham can help you to find out.