It is a known fact that all sorts of demolition creates a lot of waste. However, industrial demolition projects are notorious of creating waste that might pose high risk to our health and wellbeing.
Because of the nature of work that they’ve been used for, industrial buildings often contains chemicals and elements that were useful for industrial application, but when they get exposed to humans, they can make a great harm.
In this article, we have made enlisted some of the harmful materials that you usually get during an industrial demolition project.
Asbestos
Asbestos was a common contraction material till 1970s and it has been widely used for its insulating and non-flammable properties. It was most used in roofing, coatings, dry wall, flooring, and other construction materials. The substance was found to be a carcinogen in many researches, which led its ban in construction through out the world.
Thankfully, asbestos isn’t used in modern construction. However, there are still so many old buildings that contains this harmful material. So, it’s better to consult a professional demolition contractor who can assess the structure and crafts our an effective strategy to remove this hazardous substance from your industrial building.
Mercury
Mercury is a metallic element used to make switches, air conditioners, fluorescent lamps, smoke detectors, etc. It has long been served in many industries notably medical industry where it was used in thermometers. However, recent researches has revealed that this substance can be as dangerous as asbestos.
When it comes into contact with atmosphere, it quickly starts evaporating. The vapour, when inhaled, could pose many health issues including irritability, shortness of breathing, respiratory 7 eye irritation, chest pain, high blood pressure, and even kidney damage.
Lead
Lead is another hazardous material that has to be handled in industrial demolition. It is often found in lead-based paints, varnishes, putty, pipes, and security systems. Lead was also a common element in all softs of structures, including industrial buildings up until 1970s. It was once used in water pipes, which often resulted in leaching in water.
Lead’s use in construction has reduced to minimal. But there are many buildings that still possess this harmful substance. You can often find it in window glazing putty, solders, mortar, acoustic materials, flashing, and ceramic glazes, which may creat health neurology related health problems, renal problems, reproductive issues, and more.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls or PCBs
PCB is a mixture of synthetic organic materials that are non-flammable, chemically stable, and have high boiling points, with good chemical insulating properties. It is usually found in old electrical transformers, hydraulic equipments, paint, capacitors, caulkings, and other materials in older structures. PCBs are linked with birth defects, thyroids, and other health issues, which puts them in the list of hazardous materials found during industrial demolition.
Concluding thoughts
Industrial demolition often creates hazardous waste that includes asbestos, mercury, lead, and PCBs. Due to their harmful nature, these materials should be handled and disposed carefully. It often requires skilled manpower and a defined strategy to get rid of it. That’s exactly what Deft Demo offers.
Being a prominent demolition contractor in Sydney, we offer a comprehensive industrial demolition services that takes off the hassle of discarding hazardous material from you. Contact us to get a free quote and quick consultation on your next industrial demolition.