Vermiculite Ceilings – The Hazards of Asbestos

Vermiculite ceilings were very popular for their practical applications in the construction industry. They can easily hide imperfections and flaws in its construction left by concrete formwork. Unfortunately, there was a time when vermiculite ceilings were manufactured containing asbestos.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen. A carcinogen is a substance known to cause cancer in the body. Although asbestos is a naturally occurring substance, all forms can form fibers and when inhaled can cause minute wounds in the lungs. All forms of asbestos are known to have cancerous and non-cancerous effects to the lungs.

Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory medical condition affecting the parenchymal tissue of the lungs. Symptoms of this disease include shortness of breath and are at an increased risk regarding several different types of lung cancer. Unfortunately, this disease is progressive and at the moment has no cure.

People who had exposure to asbestos develop problem with their lungs after 20 plus years of initial exposure. It was during a time when asbestos was used in construction as a fire retardant in buildings. Asbestos in vermiculite ceilings is found in old residential buildings, offices, and industrial buildings. Because of the increased awareness of the detrimental effects of asbestos in the body, the use of asbestos as a construction material is now banned and old buildings still affixed with asbestos-containing vermiculite ceilings are encouraged to have them removed and refinished. They would often have to be removed professionally; otherwise, dust and particles evolved during removal would risk the laborers to exposure.

The incidences of asbestosis and lung cancer for those who have been exposed to asbestos have reached a plateau and hopefully would decline in the coming years.

Vermiculite ceilings are commonly found in many apartment blocks built in the '60s, '70s and '80s. Because of the fact they were built a long time ago, most of them are already damaged. Either recoat, repair or removal of it should be executed. But nowadays, unit owners are finding out that no one wants to help them recoat, repair or remove their vermiculite ceilings. In dealing with vermiculite ceilings, always keep in mind that professional contractors should be consulted.

Courtney and Wise, Sydney's most experienced painters and decorators specializing in high-quality residential painting. They have been catering their services to Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches for over 50 years now. Check their site, www.courtneyandwise.com.au