Is Bonded Asbestos Dangerous?
Bonded asbestos refers to asbestos fibers that are bonded to another material (such as cement or resin binder). According to the ADFA (The Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia Inc.) common uses of bonded asbestos can be found in, but are not limited to, the following: flat sheeting (fibro), corrugated or compressedasbestos-cement (AC) sheeting, drainage and flue pipes, and floor tiles. The ADFA is a not-for profit organization working to provide support to people living with asbestos related diseases.
All else equal, bonded asbestos is not friable, meaning that it cannot be crumbled into dust in the hand without the use of tools; however, it can become friable if worked on with power tools, through weathering, and even through normal wear and tear. The greatest harm that can arise from friable asbestos is that if inhaled, it can lead to mesothelioma – a rare form of incurable cancer.
So while bonded asbestos is not dangerous as untouched and undisturbed ‘bonded asbestos', it can very easily become friable asbestos which is extremely dangerous. Whenever asbestos is found in any form it is important to take all necessary precautions. It's best to contact a licensed professional before doing any work where asbestos may be present.
When asbestos is present there are four common methods of dealing with it:
- Removal – for times when the asbestos must be removed – this is often an extremely involved process and more informationcan be found here.
- Deep Seal – if the asbestos is in good condition sometimes the best approach is to encapsulate or deep seal it.
- Enclose – similar to a deep seal, this prevents fibers from reaching outside of the enclosure.
- Label & monitor – depending on the location and condition of the asbestos it may be acceptable to simple label the area appropriately and monitor it's condition regularly.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos at work or in the home, and developed any asbestos related disease, you may be eligible to file a claim for damages as a result of the injury. Our nationwide scope and the lawyers we work with have been at the front of this battle for justice for workers and their families for many years, and we will fight for you. For more information, visit ourMesothelioma Lawyer homepage.
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