You may have heard about the dangers of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in older buildings, whether residential or commercial, but have you ever considered the issue of asbestos-contaminated land?
Asbestos soil contamination may sound like something from the past, but it remains a significant ongoing problem today, particularly on sites with historical buildings that have an industrial history. When asbestos contaminates the soil, you are dealing with serious risks for anyone disturbing the ground.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how asbestos contaminates soil and what you can do to safely and effectively deal with the issue before proceeding with a new project. Let’s get started.
How Does Asbestos Soil Contamination Occur?
Asbestos was widely used in New Zealand from the 1940s to the mid-1980s, primarily in building materials such as roofing sheets and pipe insulation. It was a popular material due to its cost-effectiveness, fire-resistance and ease of use.
However, it was later discovered, towards the end of the 1980s, that the material was actually quite hazardous, leading to a complete ban on the importation of ACMs, which was only implemented in 2016. Asbestos fibres can become airborne, and even inhaling the smallest amount for a continued period can cause life-threatening illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
So how does it end up in the soil? This can be a result of what was left behind on the site. When older buildings are demolished, ACMs may be broken into smaller pieces and either buried or disposed of on-site. Crushing during and after demolition results in the release of fibres into the air and soil, where they are mixed. Ultimately, it ends up hiding in plain sight.
Is Asbestos-Contaminated Land Dangerous?
The short answer is: absolutely. Asbestos soil contamination on a site isn’t always obvious, so while it might appear perfectly safe on the surface, dangerous fragments of ACMs could still be just below ground level. If ACM is no longer present, loose asbestos fibres in soil are practically invisible.
While the asbestos sitting underground isn’t directly a cause of concern, it’s what happens when the soil is disturbed that makes it particularly dangerous. When the soil is moved, fibres can be released into the air, which nearby workers or even residents can inhale. Once drilling, digging, or excavating begins, this is when the real danger comes into play, and the fibres can become airborne, increasing the hazardous risk of exposure.
While health risks are a concern, on the other hand, asbestos-contaminated land can delay projects and necessitate remediation work, making it difficult to sell or develop the property until the issue is resolved. The last thing you want to do is discover asbestos halfway through a project.
What Happens If a Site is Contaminated?
It’s not possible to identify asbestos in the soil simply by inspecting the site. Asbestos-contaminated land is filled with microscopic fibres, and leftover visible fragments might be mistaken for harmless debris. The only way to confirm asbestos soil contamination is through proper and safe testing.
Fortunately, the team at Asbestos Surveyors can assist you. We’ll begin with a site investigation, collect soil samples and analyse them. If asbestos is confirmed to be present, further assessments are conducted to determine the extent of the contamination and the type of risk it poses.
Then, a management plan or remediation plan is implemented to address the issue. This depends on the type of asbestos, the amount present on site and whether the land is going to be disturbed. In high-risk cases, all of the soil may need to be removed before any work can continue, which is a job best left to the professionals. The proper protective equipment, gear and handling procedures are used to ensure the fibres are not disturbed and become airborne.
Whether you are dealing with a small amount or a widespread issue, asbestos-contaminated land must be handled properly.
It’s Important to Act Quickly
To avoid increasing costs and disruptions to your project later on, you must act early. Ignoring the problem will only exacerbate the issue. If asbestos-contaminated land is discovered, work on your project can be halted, and you may expose your team to serious health risks.
Acting early is the most effective approach, and completing the right surveys upfront will likely save you time, money, and stress. Speaking with experts and understanding the risks involved means you’re in a better position to address the issue from the outset. That’s why surveys and proper site assessments are crucial before any digging or work begins.
Worried About Asbestos in Your Soil? Get in Touch.
Our team is IP402 qualified and specialises particularly in asbestos identification and management. We generate asbestos surveys based on intrusive sampling or a visual assessment, and conduct both Commercial and Home Asbestos Surveys.
Don’t leave asbestos testing to the last minute! Contact the qualified team at Survey Asbestos for expert guidance and advice for testing asbestos-contaminated land.
