At Asbestos Victoria, we provide site remediation for the asbestos-contaminated soil. A thorough inspection of the site is vital to identify the risk of asbestos in garden soil before starting any construction project. Keep in mind that only a slight presence of toxic particles in the soil can be poisonous to your health. Do you want to know about asbestos soil contamination causes in detail? Read the following article to discover the mystery behind it. This way, you will ensure not only your property’s integrity but also everyone’s health coming in direct contact with the soil.
Understanding What Is Asbestos
There was a time when the application of asbestos in construction materials was very useful. Asbestos makes buildings heat-resistant as well as durable. In the 1990s, it was discovered that asbestos fibres become deadly when airborne. Their inhalation can increase the risk of respiratory diseases. It might surprise you that asbestos fibre bundles can contaminate the land and soil, along with buildings. This can be present in the soil in its natural form. Besides this, it can mix into the soil because of the unsafe disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
How Does Asbestos Contaminate Soil?
Let’s understand how asbestos pollutes the soil through the following pointers:
- Natural Presence of Asbestos: Are you living in a region where there are rocks, especially serpentine rock? It increases the possibility of the presence of naturally occurring asbestos materials. Hence, when these rocks are broken or disturbed because of mining, there is the risk of spreading asbestos fibres into the air. This way, the asbestos can contaminate the soil and land as well. It is a serious concern that needs immediate attention. The negligence to pay attention to such issues can put the lives of on-site workers and nearby occupants at risk.
- Demolition Waste: Many times, property developers disposal of tiles, roofing materials poorly, among others. They do it without proper planning. Throughout the demolition project, their disposal should be safe. And yes, it should be according to region-specific laws, as they may contain asbestos materials. Their improper disposal results in soil contamination. This situation crops up, especially when the demolition waste is buried. Sometimes, constructors repurpose asbestos-containing materials as building materials.
- Unlawful Dumping: To avoid disposal costs, many demolition companies illegally dump the asbestos-containing materials. As a result of this, the issue of soil contamination occurs.
- Reclassification of the Clean Waste: The definition of hazardous materials and their disposal has been evolving. The construction materials that, in the past, have been considered as non-ACM materials may fall into the toxic category. That is why a thorough soil contamination test should be referred to an expert environmental consultant.
Why Is Asbestos in Garden Soil a Serious Concern?
Now that you know what can lead to occurrences of asbestosis in garden soil. Knowing the risks will allow you to have all the necessary information to arrive at an informed decision. Keep in mind, when the asbestos fibres are reached throughout in soil, they can produce impacts. The airborne fibres can be inhaled by human beings who are directly coming into contact with the soil. It can also pollute the water supplies. Therefore, its worst impacts can put the lives of aquatic animals in danger as well. Many of these issues often trace back to hidden ground asbestos sources that remain unnoticed until testing is carried out.
Tell-Tale Signs That Your Soil May Contain Asbestos
Watch out for the following common signs:
- Discoloured pieces of the cement
- Thin fibres in insulation remnants
- Broken pipes
- Previous records that say illegal demolition activity
How to Identify and Assess Asbestos-Contaminated Soil?
Take a look at the following pointers to learn how to identify whether the soil contains asbestos:
- Know Your Site History: Make sure you have the historical information related to your site. Gather the following details before starting the construction project.
- Previous soil contamination test report
- Former construction activities
- Previous debris disposal practices
The past information about your site will help you know the suspected areas where there can be asbestos.
- Soil Sampling and Analysis: First of all, find out the areas where you suspect the asbestos-contaminated soil. Take the help of a professional to collect soil samples for laboratory analysis. This process is essential for accurate results and effective soil testing for asbestos risks.
- Risk Assessment: Depending on soil conditions, experts determine the potential risk of asbestos fibre exposure.
Know the Legal Requirements in Victoria for Asbestos-Contaminated Soil
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (2017), you need to fulfil the legal requirements when carrying out the removal of the asbestos-contaminated soil. Here are the legal regulations you should adhere to:
- Only hire licensed professionals for asbestos removal purposes.
- ‘Ensure no risk of asbestos fibres spreading on the contaminated land.
- Is there soil contamination on your site? Report it to the local council body.
- Avoid illegal dumping to ensure no penalties or legal complications.
Final Thought
At Asbestos Victoria, we ensure the safe disposal of contaminated soil so that there will not be any risk to human health and animals. So, do not neglect asbestos in soil in case you suspect it. Your ethical and legal duty is to provide care and protection to both on-site workers and close inhabitants.