A long time ago, the worldwide construction industry used asbestos as a fire-resistant, versatile, insulation-friendly material. It was so popular that it was incorporated into a variety of different materials, including everything from concrete to wall and ceiling insulation. These days, we call these materials ‘asbestos-containing materials’, or ACMs.
The common misconception is that you can spot asbestos in its raw form, but the truth is that you’re more likely to find ACMs. When you’re jumping into asbestos identification, that’s what you’ll be looking for. To that end, this blog post is dedicated to helping you understand the types of asbestos found in New Zealand, the most common places and warning signs to look for in your home or business, and what to do if you suspect you’re dealing with an ACM.
The Types of Asbestos Found in New Zealand
Because it’s a natural mineral, there are a variety of different asbestos types out there in the world. For our purposes, there are three types historically used most often in New Zealand:
- Chrysotile, also known as ‘white’ asbestos.
- Amosite, also known as ‘brown’ asbestos.
- Crocidolite, also known as ‘blue’ asbestos.
It’s only important to know about these different types because each was more commonly used in different places or for different purposes. Whereas brown asbestos is more brittle than the others, it’s also more commonly found in materials like insulation and ceiling tiles.
On the other hand, white asbestos is the most commonly found in asbestos identification tests. It’s typically used in roofing, ceilings, walls, and flooring, which is why it’s most commonly identified. You likely won’t be able to tell which one it is, which is fine, but it’s helpful to know anyway.
Most Common Places for Asbestos Identification
Speaking of which, there are many buildings in New Zealand that completed construction before the mid-1980s. These likely contain asbestos in some form, which could be present in:
- The roofing materials, like corrugated cement roofing sheets or shingles.
- The wall linings and ceilings, which could include textured coatings, cement board, and decorative ceilings.
- Flooring, like vinyl tiles or linoleum with asbestos backing.
- Pipes and insulation.
- Gutters or downpipes, which often used asbestos for reinforcement.
If your property was built prior to the 2000s, it’s essential to check for asbestos before you jump into any renovations or demolitions, as these could shake those dangerous fibres loose.
How to Identify Asbestos (Safely)
The truth is spotting asbestos in its raw form or as an ACM can be difficult. Asbestos fibres are microscopic, so they cannot be identified just from sight alone. Trying to inspect materials by taking a sample or destroying the material could put you at serious risk of asbestos exposure, which can lead to major health issues down the road.
The best way to handle this is to conduct your personal asbestos identification as safely as possible. There may be materials in your home that you suspect contain asbestos. Some materials might contain asbestos if they show the following:
- A fibrous or fluffy texture, like the ones in insulation materials.
- A grey, white, or blue appearance in older cement sheets.
- Signs of wear and tear that release fibres into the air.
- Vinyl flooring that has revealed a black, tar-like adhesive backing.
Remember: If you suspect a material contains asbestos, never disturb or handle it. This can release dangerous fibres into the air. Instead, take the safest possible next steps.
What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home
First thing first: do not disturb it. Asbestos is most dangerous when its fibres are disturbed and become airborne, where you can breathe them in. Avoid sanding, drilling, breaking, or ripping away any suspicious material.
Next, engage professionals for asbestos identification. A licensed asbestos surveyor can safely take a sample, analyse it, and confirm whether your suspicions are correct.
If asbestos is confirmed, you’ll need to have it removed by licensed professionals who are trained to handle high-risk materials. This is covered under New Zealand law and must be carefully observed.
It’s tempting to take care of this work yourself, especially if you’re trying to save money or prefer to get it done quickly. But trying to do asbestos identification and removal on your own can open you and anyone else on your property up to some serious health issues, such as lung cancer or asbestosis. So, always make sure to consult a professional.
It’s scary to think that this threat might not be visible, even if you’re looking for it. But understanding the most common places that asbestos might be and how to treat it if you suspect its there makes you much safer. When in doubt, lean on an asbestos identification professional to create a safer environment for yourself and those around you.
Talk to the team at Consultex Labs about our asbestos identification services.
At Consultex Labs, we provide safe and fast asbestos identification services through our IANZ-accredited laboratory. Get in touch with us today to explore how we can help you confirm whether asbestos is on your property and make a plan for what comes next.