Detecting the presence of asbestos in a residential property is an essential task. But using asbestos home test kits can result in several consequences. The kit often fails to accurately detect the presence of asbestos, and its usage also creates room for contamination and serious health risks. Asbestos home test kits also increase the risk of legal repercussions, which makes them an unreliable tool for asbestos detection.
These test kits only appear effective on the front; in reality, they fail to offer accuracy. On top of that, they are not great when it comes to detecting trace levels of asbestos when it is below 1%, which is still effective in causing health risks.
This is why it is advisable to never use home test kits to detect the presence of asbestos. However, that is not the only reason why these test kits aren’t reliable. In this blog, we will focus on other factors that one should not use these test kits for asbestos detection.
Understanding Asbestos Risks in Homes
The presence of asbestos in residential spaces is fairly common in the older structures that were built before the 1990s. The material can be found in walls, roofs, floors, and other areas.
The material doesn’t cause any health risk when it is intact. However, when disturbed, it starts posing serious health issues, as inhaling the microscopic fibres of asbestos tends to scar the inner walls of the lung. This often leads to serious health issues like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and even lung cancer.
Disturbances in the material arise during renovations, such as cutting, drilling, and others. As a result, the fibres get released, making proper identification, safe removal with the help of a licensed professional, or encapsulation.
The issue is bigger than it appears, as 1 in 3 Australian homes contains asbestos. So, if one suspects the existence of asbestos, then it is best to leave it alone and contact a licensed asbestos professional right away for easy identification and safe removal/management. This is how homeowners can treat the issue seriously and avoid the chances of long-term health impacts.
The Problem with Asbestos Home Test Kits
Asbestos home test kits can be extremely popular. However, they come with significant drawbacks, which make them unreliable and sometimes even dangerous due to the lack of accuracy.
1. Unsafe, Because You Must Disturb the Material
The process of identifying the presence of asbestos in a property involves physically removing the material, breaking it, and then working on the analysis. This directly contradicts the safety guidelines, which advise against disturbing asbestos-containing materials. Plus, there is a lack of proper PPE, and containment increases exposure risk.
Well, disturbing the materials is the primary way that microscopic and harmful asbestos fibres are released into the air. This, in the end, creates ground for a serious inhalation risk at home, which is why it is best to stay away from these test asbestos home test kit.
2. No Control Over Fibre Spread
Home testing procedures lack the necessary safety controls used by accredited professionals. Well, it is nearly impossible to prevent invisible asbestos fibres generated during sampling from becoming airborne and contaminating your living space without specialised equipment.
The process uses negative air pressure machines and high-efficiency particulate air filters.
3. Most Kits Are Highly Inaccurate
The majority of asbestos home test kits depend on sending a small, self-collected sample to a laboratory for analysis. The accuracy of the result depends on a proper sampling technique that ensures the sample properly represents the entire material.
Well, asbestos home test kits tend to obtain an insufficient or non-representative sample. There are a lack of certified labs and a poor chain of custody. This is what leads to false negative results that provide a dangerous and false sense of security.
4. Not Compliant with Australian Regulations
Australia has a clear rule regarding asbestos testing. The process must adhere to strict regulatory standards that state that only a competent person, like a licensed asbestos assessor or occupational hygienist, is capable of managing the sampling process. These professionals are trained to minimise risk and follow specific methodologies.
However, relying on a DIY kit does not meet these regulatory requirements. They create room for improper handling of a hazardous material, which comes in the way of compliance.
Australian Regulations That Make Asbestos Home Test Kits a Bad Choice
Australian regulations and laws make professional services a better choice than DIY kits. Some of the reasons include:
Legal and Financial Documents
Specific legal requirements under acts like the Wills Act 1997 and the Administration and Probate Act 1958 make using generic DIY asbestos home test kits risky and make it essential for one to rely on a professional.
Building, Plumbing, and Renovation
Certain regulations require specific qualifications and permits for the most significant home improvement projects. Most building work, beyond minor structures like a small, unattached gazebo. This requires building permits and adherence to the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Well, owner-builders need to understand council setback rules and engineering requirements.
How Licensed Asbestos Professionals Keep Australian Homes Safe
Licensed asbestos professionals are trained to identify and carefully remove asbestos-containing materials from the property. This is how they focus on keeping residential spaces safe.
They work by conducting thorough inspections, testing materials, creating detailed removal plans with strict controls (barricades, PPE, dampening), and safely removing materials. They use specialised equipment for removing and sealing waste in labelled bags, and conducting final clearance inspections with air monitoring.
This is how they help in preventing fibre spread and ensure compliance with strict Work Health & Safety (WHS) regulations, protecting occupants and the public.
What To Do If You Suspect Asbestos in Your Home
If you suspect asbestos in your home, then it is best to take a step back. You must not disturb it, treat it as hazardous, and immediately contact a licensed professional. They work on inspection, testing, and abatement.
This is how the professionals ensure safe handling of asbestos-containing materials. They understand that fibres become dangerous when released, and visual ID isn’t enough. This is how professionals will safely sample and test the material. If the existence is confirmed, they’ll use methods like encapsulation or removal, following strict regulations for your health.
In Summation
DIY asbestos home test kits are dangerous, inaccurate, and illegal for most asbestos sampling situations. This is why it is advisable for homeowners to only rely on the assistance of professionals. They are capable of properly detecting asbestos and working on its effective removal.
Professionals are essential for ensuring safety, compliance, and peace of mind.
Want to Get Asbestos Testing in Your Property?
Get the assistance of our professionals for asbestos testing. Ensure safety, compliance, and reduced health risk, all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the Asbestos-containing Material is Intact and Not Crumbling?
Intact asbestos-containing materials are low-risk. However, disturbing them, such as cutting or sanding for a sample, turns them into a high-risk hazard. This is why it is essential to keep the task to the professionals.
Is Professional Asbestos Testing Expensive?
Well, the costs are more upfront. However, professional testing prevents costly mistakes, potential health issues such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, and ensures compliance.
Is Hiring a Professional a Safer Alternative?
Yes, hiring an accredited asbestos consultant is a safer alternative. They use proper PPE kits, follow strict protocols to avoid disturbance, and use certified labs for safe, accurate assessment. This is what makes them a much better alternative.
Can I Tell if It’s Asbestos Just by Looking?
No, you can’t. Asbestos fibres are microscopic and often mixed with other materials like cement or tile. This is why identification of the asbestos-containing materials requires lab analysis for correct identification.
