Due to its high resistance to heat, excellent insulating properties, and long lifespan, asbestos has been used for centuries as a structural component. Yet, a recent investigation has found that it is also a toxic compound with severe health effects. Asbestos has been used in construction for a very long time. This article will examine how that influenced modern building inspection practices and why that’s important for public health and safety.
The Early Days of Asbestos Use
Asbestos have been used for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans recognised its fire-resistant characteristics and utilised it in clothing, ceramics, and construction materials. Yet, throughout the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, asbestos use increased dramatically. Because of its affordability, durability, resilience to heat, chemicals, and electricity, the material has become indispensable in the construction industry.
The Rise of Asbestos in Construction
Throughout the 20th century, asbestos was utilised in insulation, flooring, roofing, and cement, among other construction materials. In the middle of the 20th century, asbestos was used in over 3,000 items worldwide. Despite early warnings from medical professionals regarding the dangers of asbestos exposure, it remained a popular building material in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere.
The Fall of Asbestos and the Emergence of Health Concerns
By the middle of the 20th century, mounting evidence of the health dangers connected with asbestos exposure had emerged. Asbestos fibres are easily breathed, and when they become stuck in the lungs, they can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to severe respiratory illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
In the late 20th century, nations began to control asbestos use, with some outright banning the substance. In the 1970s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began restricting the use of asbestos in the United States, with rules becoming much more stringent in subsequent decades.
The Legacy of Asbestos in Buildings and the Need for Inspections
Although asbestos is no longer included in building materials, the effects of its previous widespread use are still present. Several older structures still contain asbestos, posing a risk to the health of occupants, workers, and anyone participating in rehabilitation or demolition efforts. As a result, asbestos inspections have become integral to ensuring building safety.
How Asbestos Inspections are Affected by the History of Asbestos Use
Considerably influences how inspections are performed today. Inspectors must be knowledgeable about the numerous types of asbestos-containing materials and their prevalent locations in older buildings. Due to the large variety of materials that contain asbestos, inspections must be exhaustive.
In some instances, inspectors may also need to evaluate the past use of a building to establish the likelihood of the presence of asbestos-containing materials. For example, a structure historically housed a factory or school may be more likely to contain asbestos than a residence constructed during the same period.
The Importance of Understanding the History of Asbestos Use
A thorough grasp of the history of asbestos use in construction assists building inspectors, property owners, and contractors make informed judgements about building safety. By understanding the possible dangers and locations of asbestos-containing products, inspectors may guarantee that their risk assessments are correct and successfully limit exposure risk.
Learning from the Past to Ensure a Safer Future
Many structures are exposed to asbestos exposure due to the historical usage of asbestos in building construction. Asbestos inspections have become essential for limiting these dangers and maintaining a safer environment for building occupants, workers, and those participating in repair or demolition projects.
Ongoing Awareness and Education
For building owners, contractors, and inspectors to make educated judgements about asbestos management, they must be kept up-to-date on the history of asbestos use. Knowing the possible dangers and locations of asbestos-containing products is vital for ensuring adequate safety precautions and that asbestos exposure risks are limited.
The Role of Legislation in Addressing the Legacy of Asbestos
Governments worldwide have enacted laws and regulations to mitigate the risks of asbestos exposure. These laws address various topics, including using, handling, and disposing of asbestos-containing items and the requirements for asbestos inspections and abatement. Compliance with these laws is essential for building inhabitants’ and employees’ safety and well-being.
The history of using asbestos in buildings has left a lasting mark on the built environment we live in today. As we strive to develop safer environments, we must comprehend the historical context of asbestos inspections. By maintaining awareness and vigilance, we can confront the legacy of asbestos and work towards a future free of its dangers.
