• Home Health & Biohacking

  Asbestos

  Posted by unknown on November 8, 2023 at 2:14 pm

  Hi Bernadette,

  I am looking for a new apartment in Switzerland and it most of the buildings here have been built before 1990 which was when asbestos were banned. They say 3 out of 4 buildings have some sort of asbestos. The apartment I am looking at was rennovated in the last ten years, although I don’t know what that means in terms of the asbestos.
  Any thoughts on this? Things to consider while living here, since it seems to be very hard to find something that will be asbestos free.

  Thanks

  unknown replied 1 year ago 2 Members · 4 Replies
• 4 Replies

• 

  Bernadette

  Member

  November 8, 2023 at 5:07 pm

  Hi  – it might be a good idea to find a certified asbestos inspector through government organizations so you’re not guessing and have peace of mind about the safety of the apartment you’re considering.

  I searched to see what I could find and came up with the Swiss Association for Occupational Hygiene which talks about asbestos and minimizing risks for professionals: https://osha.europa.eu/en/search/site?search_api_fulltext=asbestos+inspector

  I would reach out to them to see if they have a list of asbestos inspectors or an organization they can recommend.

  Hope this helps…

• 

  unknown

  Member

  November 8, 2023 at 5:18 pm

  Thanks I will look into it.
  I’m just confused as to what can be done or what i should be looking for. If most of the buildings are old and used asbestos what am I supposed to look for? Ideally a new building. But if an old building still has them does that automatically mean living in it will mean exposure? Or is it only when the asbestos are damaged that they become dangerous.

• 

  Bernadette

  Member

  November 9, 2023 at 8:43 am

   here is a government website that answers your question more directly (and many other frequently asked questions about asbestos):
  • If you think asbestos may be in your home, don’t panic! Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone.
  • Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. THERE IS NO DANGER unless fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs.

  I would still search for an asbestos inspector for peace of mind if the building is old and especially if renovated since the material may have been damaged if not properly removed.

• 

  unknown

  Member

  November 9, 2023 at 10:47 am

  thank you! Will search for an inspector

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