Construction Space: Let’s Talk About Building And Contractors

Posted on: 17 September 2020

Given the benefits of asbestos when it was first introduced to the construction industry, most contractors went on to call it the magic material. Unfortunately, today's asbestos is a well-known carcinogenic material found in older buildings, and school-going children have borne the brunt. A 2019 audit on Australian schools revealed that more than 2000 institutions contain asbestos, which is a ticking time bomb. Consequently, it has led to significant debate on the management or removal of the asbestos. While some school administrators argue that management of asbestos is the best option, most prefer removing the material. This article highlights critical reasons for asbestos removal in schools.

Children Breath Rapidly -- It is a known fact that body organs of school-going children are still developing. In particular, their lungs are small at this age; therefore, children tend to breathe faster than adults to get enough oxygen throughout their system. The physiological reality puts children at risk because they will readily breathe in fibrous asbestos from tiles, roofs, and walls. Therefore, rather than seek ways to manage the existing asbestos in schools, it is better to hire an asbestos abatement company to remove the material entirely. It will ensure that children are not exposed to respiratory diseases caused by asbestos.  

Children Are Playful -- By nature, children are playful; therefore they will turn any space, including classrooms, into a playground. Such playfulness can expose them to asbestos-containing materials if school administration opts for asbestos management rather than removal. For instance, a ball that ends up on a classroom roof made of asbestos tiles will easily pick up asbestos fibres. It increases the chances of contact with asbestos since children will touch the ball with their hands. Other playful activities in a classroom can also disturb asbestos-containing material, such as drywalls and chipped paint. Therefore, school administrators must insist on asbestos removal as opposed to management. It will ensure that children play freely without worrying about asbestos exposure.

Longer Exposure Times -- In Australia, schools are supposed to provide at least 25 hours of student instruction per week. Since most of this time is spent in a classroom, exposure to asbestos-containing material is significant. The longer children stay in a classroom with asbestos paint or drywalls, the higher their chances of infection. The only way to ensure that longer classroom hours do not lead to prolonged exposure is to remove any asbestos-containing material. No amount of asbestos management will guarantee full-proof safety as long as children use classrooms.