The mere mention of the term asbestos can be scary. It is responsible for many pathologies including cancer. And yet, many of us still have elements and materials containing asbestos. Authorized until 1997, asbestos was associated with cement to ensure the insulation of our homes. Today, it is imperative to get rid of these highly toxic elements, but how?
There are still many buildings dating from before 1990 equipped with roofs made of asbestos fiber cement sheets. It is recommended to change them to prevent them from deteriorating and releasing asbestos. Asbestos removal is mandatory if the plates threaten to crumble. It is also possible to confine said plates with an elastomeric bitumen. Once spread on the plates, the product will trap all the asbestos. Panels can be arranged on top to reinforce this containment. The cost of this last operation is less important than a total change, provided that the condition of your roof allows it.
It is strictly forbidden to carry out the asbestos removal yourself. There is no solution other than calling on a professional governed by decree no. 2012-639 of May 4, 2012 to carry out these operations, even if you perform simple confinement. Asbestos removal is strictly controlled. You must comply with all the administrative procedures before carrying out any work whatsoever. Ask your municipality for all the formalities to be carried out. This procedure makes it possible to identify all the disinfected products.
Because of the degree of danger of asbestos, it is not possible to get rid of it in an ordinary recycling center. This is also the reason why only a certified professional can intervene. Once deposited, you must send the plates to a specialized site for their treatment. Collection companies are at your disposal. All this obviously has a cost, thus making asbestos removal relatively expensive. Nevertheless, everyone's safety is at stake.
You may have to store the plates deposited at home while you find a specialized recycling centre. In this case, every precaution must be taken to prevent the asbestos from spreading. Arrange the plates in a group and cover them with a sufficiently thick tarpaulin. Provide a safe distance between the warehouse location and dwellings. As much as possible, avoid spaces that are too open, which would allow the wind to carry away the microparticles.
Once widespread, asbestos fiber cement sheets now constitute a definite danger to public health. Wind and rain are the main vectors and it is the lungs that asbestos attacks first. The link between asbestos and many cancers has been proven. Within a few years, the public authorities are planning the total elimination of asbestos fiber cement sheets. Their sale is already strictly prohibited. Do not improvise as a rebreather because you are exposing yourself to enormous risks. The only solution is to get rid of it as healthily as possible, with the intervention of professionals.
