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How to Identify Asbestos

Over the course of the last century, asbestos was used in a variety of products to make them more durable, less prone to fire and less expensive. Inhaling asbestos fibers in the air can cause lung disease such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Certain diseases have a long time of latency. It's hard to spot a problem until it's too far gone.

Asbestos Identification

Asbestos is a variety of minerals that are naturally occurring. They were once used in building materials for their fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant and insulation properties. However, it can pose health risks when the microscopic fibers are inhaled. This can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases don't manifest until years, if not years after the initial exposure and are often mistaken for flu-like symptoms. This is why it's important for people to know how to identify asbestos.

The most commonly used method to detect asbestos is by medical tests to look for lung disease. These tests include physical exams or chest X-rays as well as lung function tests. However, asbestos-related illnesses can't be identified by these tests on their own, since they must be paired with a thorough health history which includes a thorough examination of a person's home, work and cultural environment.

It's possible to find asbestos in a broad assortment of building products and materials that include cement products, floor tiles, paints adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. Asbestos is difficult to spot because the fibers are so small and light. They can easily float through the air and inhale without anyone not even realizing. They don't possess any distinctive smells, either.

You can take a tiny sample if you suspect an item is contaminated with asbestos. It is imperative that only a professional remove asbestos since it's an intricate process that requires special equipment. Patch the sample with duct tape to stop the release of fibers and take it to an asbestos analysis laboratory that is accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). A list of accredited laboratories can be found on the NVLAP website.

It's quite easy to disturb asbestos and the chance of doing this is more pronounced for certain groups of people. Construction workers, plumbers, and electricians are at risk of exposure to asbestos during renovations and maintenance. Anyone who works in these fields should take an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the risks and know how to take the necessary precautions.

Take Samples

A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample can be taken by an asbestos consultant or a homeowner. However, it is important to be careful not to create asbestos-containing dust that is airborne during the collecting and cleaning process. Typically the person taking the sample should be equipped with an HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner, a water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. While carrying out the task, they should wear a respirator that is compliant with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is best to collect samples on a day that is not windy, and then shut off the heating or cooling system. This will reduce the airborne asbestos particles.

When collecting the sample, be sure the area is completely sealed off and that no children or pets can access the. Wet down the area to be sampled using an abrasive rag, then clean all equipment and tools used once the sampling has been completed. Place the rag into a plastic bag, label it as asbestos waste and dispose of it at an approved asbestos disposal facility. Place the resealable bag and the sample in a separate plastic bag. Seal it all before marking it as asbestos waste. Wet down the area to be cleaned once again and place a drop sheet over it to catch any fibres that escape.

Asbestos samples are usually collected with the help of a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is important to ensure that the cassette doesn't become overloaded with dust. This could obscure the fibres and alter the results. If the sample was taken in an area with significant levels of non-fibrous dust, it could be necessary to use an air sample with a smaller volume.

While most research is focused on long asbestos fibers but epidemiological studies have found that exposure to short asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer as well. This suggests that size isn't the only one factor that influences asbestos fibers' pathogenicity and that other parameters such as chemical properties such as dispersion staining, polarization, and etching times are also involved.

Identifying Professionals

asbestos law fibers can be airborne when they are disturbed or spewed out. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, can cause lung diseases. These can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other neurological and respiratory ailments. Many symptoms can appear in the 20 to 50 years following.

Unaltered asbestos isn't an hazard to health, but when materials such as flooring, insulation and shingles are damaged, they can release harmful fibers. This can happen in the course of a renovation or demolition project or even in normal home usage or the aging process.

If you are planning to redesign your home, ask local health or environmental officials whether the building has asbestos. If asbestos-containing materials are found, have it inspected by an accredited asbestos inspector before any work can begin.

If you are renovating an older house, ensure that the contractors you hire have the proper credentials. They should be able to provide an asbestos report and survey which includes an assessment of the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their friability. The report should include whether or not the contractor will remove the ACM.

Minor repairs are possible on some ACM and other ACMs, but only a professional trained in methods for safely handling asbestos should attempt these repairs. No matter what type of repair you make the area must be sealed off from the rest of your home. Any clothing or equipment should be placed into plastic bags and marked with a warning to avoid cross-contamination.

Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to stop the fibers from being released into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or coats fibers to keep them from becoming airborne. This can be done on insulated pipes, or to cover old shingles.

Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The process begins by soaking the materials so that they can be cut or scraped with various tools without releasing the dangerous fibers. Then, they put the material in sturdy, leak-proof air-tight containers for safe disposal.

Repairing or Removing Asbestos

Asbestos is resistant to heat and corrosion This has made it an extremely useful material for hundreds of products, including wallboard materials, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. However, asbestos is a toxic material that can cause respiratory problems when fibers are inhaled. In most cases, these fibers end up lodged in the lungs and can lead to tissue inflammation and scarring, which can hinder breathing and lead to serious health issues.

Asbestos is found in many areas of an apartment, such as floor and ceiling tiles roof shingles exterior siding, asbestos cement pipe and asbestos-containing joint compound. It is essential to examine these areas on a regular basis for tears, abrasions or water damage. If the material is only little damaged, it might be safe to touch it or disturb it. However should the material be damaged or you plan to make changes to your home that could disturb it, you should speak with an asbestos expert.

These experts can carry out an inspection visually and also take samples. They can also advise you on the corrections that must be made and who is qualified to make them. It is recommended that only these experts handle asbestos. They are certified in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them.

You can also contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to find out about asbestos-related programs in your area. Also, be aware that there are companies who falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These companies are risky because they encourage or carry out unnecessary removals, thereby increasing the likelihood of harmful fibers being released.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before you hire an asbestos professional, it is important to research the company thoroughly to make sure it's properly accredited and insured. You can ask for references from previous clients, as well as proofs of insurance coverage and accreditation. It is also recommended to examine your state's or local health and environmental authorities to determine the procedure that are required if you're planning to undertake any renovations within your home.