What Is Anthrax?
It was the practice years ago to use animal hair to strengthen plaster during construction of a building and because of the ability of anthrax spores to survive for long periods of time, it is possible for them to be present in building material if contaminated animal hair was used, and potentially they could be released into the atmosphere in dust from renovation work.
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease and poses serious risk to humans if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated products. The bacterium Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of the disease anthrax and produces spores – cells with tough outer coats that allow survival for many years in the environment.
Why Is It Dangerous?
Once the spores enter a human, they return to actively growing bacteria and can cause disease, in humans’ anthrax is a rapidly developing infection either of the skin, lungs or intestines.
Anthrax can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion or through open cuts and wounds and can be found in building materials such as plaster, metals, in paint samples and soils. Across the UK it is estimated that anthrax is still present in millions of buildings, therefore if you are responsible for the health and safety welfare of a demolition, refurbishment or renovation work, or suspect that your building contains anthrax, it is crucial that you contact the experts to conduct an anthrax test on your site to ensure individuals are protected from possible life-threatening exposure.
How Can Lenval Help?
Lenval is a family-run business with expertise in the field of anthrax testing and have a vast knowledge of the issues surrounding the risk management and legal compliance of hazardous materials. Offering our services to London and the southeast, our loyal clients can expect a proactive and customer-focused approach every time they come to us for their anthrax-related issues.
As a market leader in the testing, inspection and analysis relating to hazardous materials, we employ British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) trained surveyors to undertake the safe sampling of plaster containing suspected anthrax spores. Samples are packaged and sent to the UK Governments Health and Safety Laboratory where tests are undertaken for the presence of anthrax spores based on molecular methods (DNA detection) and culture-based methods. The process of site sampling to the production of the analysis report can be undertaken within fifteen working days and, before the results are returned, they undergo a strict quality checking process to ensure that all of the information relating to your site is correct. Once the analysis report has been received, we can clarify the findings and what they mean for you, as well as recommending suitable control measures that you can undertake.
BOHS Qualified Surveyors
At Lenval we take your safety seriously. Our team of BOHS qualified surveyors can guarantee accurate anthrax testing services so that you can rest assured that we will provide you with a clear test report that’s easy to understand, as well as assist in discussing your results and offering advice on the next steps you should take. You can rest assured that the services that we offer at Lenval are conducted by specialists and we are intent on ensuring your safety and satisfaction at every point of your experience with us.
We Offer Free Estimates
Send us a message detailing which services you require and a member of our team will get back to you ASAP.
WHO WE ARE
Lenval has a wide range of experience with a variety of clients who have formed long-term relationships with us. We cover London & surrounding counties with projects from £1000 to £1 million.
Our proactive and customer focused attitude ensures that we enjoy a high percentage of repeat works.
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Lenval Ltd
Greenacres Farm
'The Barn'
Arterial Road
Stanford-le-hope, Essex
SS17 8PB
