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How to Identify Asbestos

During the past century, asbestos was used to make thousands of items stronger and more resistant to fire and less expensive. Exposure to asbestos fibers within the air can lead to lung diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Some of these diseases have a long time of latency. It is difficult to detect a problem until it's too long gone.

Identifying Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once popular in building materials since they are fire-resistant, corrosion resistant and insulate. It could, however, create health risks if the microscopic fibers are inhaled. It is common for them to cause diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. The symptoms of these diseases don't appear until several years, or years after the initial exposure. They're often confused with flu-like symptoms. This is why it's essential for people to know how to identify asbestos.

The most popular method to detect asbestos is by medical tests that check for lung diseases. These tests typically include physical examinations including chest X-rays, lung function tests. These tests aren't enough to determine the presence of asbestos-related illnesses. They must be combined with a complete history of the patient which includes information about a person's work, home, and cultural environment.

It's possible to detect asbestos in a vast range of building products and materials that include cement products, flooring tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. However, asbestos can be difficult to detect because the fibers that pose danger are so small and light that they could easily float in the air and breathed in without being observed. They also don't emit any distinctive smells.

If you suspect that a particular material may contain asbestos, you can collect the material as a sample. It is essential that you only use a professional to remove asbestos, as it's complicated and requires special equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis lab through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). A list of laboratories can be found on the NVLAP web site.

Certain groups of people are at a greater danger of accidentally touching asbestos. This includes construction workers, plumbers and electricians as they are more likely to encounter asbestos-containing products during renovations and maintenance. It's a good idea to encourage anyone who works in these fields to complete an asbestos awareness course so that they understand the dangers and are able to use the proper precautions.

Doing Samples

A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample could be taken by an asbestos expert or a homeowner. However it is essential to ensure that you don't produce asbestos-containing dust in the air during the collecting and cleaning process. Typically, the person taking the sample should have a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner an water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. While performing the task, they must wear a respirator compliant with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is recommended to conduct the sampling on a calm, non windy day and ensure that cooling or heating systems are turned off to reduce the release of any airborne asbestos particles.

When collecting the sample ensure that the area is fully sealed off and that pets or children are not allowed to enter. The area to be sampled using the help of a damp rag. Then, clean any tools and equipment used once the sampling is 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 container and the sample inside a second plastic bag. Secure it all before marking it asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned a second time and then place a plastic drop sheet over it to capture any fibres released.

Asbestos can be filtered with a pre-assembled pump and cassette system. It is crucial that the cassette is not overloaded with dust, as this can obscure the fibres of the filter, causing distortion in the result. If the sample is being taken from an area that has high levels of non-fibrous dust, smaller volumes of air can be used.

The epidemiological studies revealed that asbestos fibres that are short could also cause mesothelioma or lung cancer. This shows that size isn't the only factor that affects asbestos fibers' pathogenicity. Other factors like chemical property, polarization and dispersion staining, as well as the time required to etch are also a factor.

Identifying Professionals

When Asbestos settlement fibers are displaced or disturbed they can end up becoming airborne. These tiny fibers, if inhaled, can cause lung disease. These microscopic fibers could cause asbestosis or mesothelioma as well with other neurological and respiratory disorders. Many symptoms can be noticed 20 to 50 years later.

Asbestos that is not disturbed does not pose a health risk, but when materials like insulation, shingles, and flooring are damaged or deteriorate and release harmful fibers. This could happen during a demolition or renovation project or even in normal home usage or the aging process.

If you are planning to redesign your home, ask your local health or environment department whether the building has asbestos. If asbestos is found in your home, you should have it checked prior to when any work starts by an asbestos inspector who is accredited.

If you are renovating an older home, be sure that any contractors you hire are licensed and certified. They should be able to provide an asbestos survey and report which includes an assessment of the condition of any asbestos-containing material (ACM) and their ability to be friable. The survey should also indicate the contractor's intention to remove or leave the ACM intact.

Minor repairs are possible on certain ACM. However, only a professional trained in asbestos handling safely should attempt these. Whatever repair is done the area must be sealed off from the rest of your home. All clothing and equipment should be put in plastic bags and labeled with a warning in order to avoid cross-contamination.

Professionals can seal or cover ACM to stop it from releasing fibers into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance which binds or covers the fibers to keep them from being airborne. This can be done on insulated piping, or to cover old shingles.

Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a building. The materials are then soaked to allow them to be cut with a variety of tools without releasing harmful fibers. Then, they put the material in sturdy, leak-proof and air-tight containers that are safe for disposal.

Repairing or Removing Asbestos

Asbestos is invulnerable to corrosion and heat. This makes it a great material for a variety of products including wallboards insulation, fireproofing and auto brakes. However, asbestos is an extremely toxic substance that can cause respiratory issues when the fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers become stuck in the lungs, and can cause tissue inflammation and scarring, which can cause breathing problems and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos is found in many parts of your home such as roof shingles, cement pipes and floor and ceiling tiles, as well as joint compound containing asbestos. Be sure to check these areas for water damage or abrasions. If the material is little damaged, it might be safe to touch or even disturb. However should the material be in need of repair or you plan to make changes in your home which could cause disturbance to it, consult with an asbestos professional.

These experts can conduct an inspection in person and collect samples. They can also provide advice on what adjustments need to be made and who is qualified to do them. You should only let these experts handle asbestos. These professionals are educated in specific products and should only be allowed to correct them.

In addition to speaking with an asbestos specialist who is certified, you should contact your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about asbestos attorney-related training programs in your region. Be aware that there are firms that falsely claim to specialize in asbestos removal. These companies are risky because they encourage or perform unnecessary removals, increasing the chance of harmful fibers being released.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before you hire an asbestos professional it is crucial to thoroughly research the company to ensure it's accredited and insured. You can also request references from previous clients, as well as proofs of insurance coverage and accreditation. It is also recommended to consult your state or local health and environmental agencies to determine the procedure that must be followed if planning to perform any type of remodeling in your home.