• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

How to Identify Asbestos

Over the past century, asbestos was used to make thousands of items stronger, more resistant to fire and less costly. But exposure to asbestos in the air fibers can cause lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Certain diseases have a long latency period. This means it is difficult for people to detect a problem before it's too late.

Asbestos Identification

Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that were previously used in building materials due to the fact that they are fire resistant, asbestos settlement corrosion resistant and an insulator. Inhaling tiny fibres of asbestos can cause health hazards. This can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases can take a long time, or even decades, to manifest their symptoms. They are often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is why it's crucial for people to be aware of how to identify asbestos.

The most effective method to detect asbestos is via medical tests that test for lung diseases. These tests include physical examinations or chest X-rays as well as lung function tests. These tests are not enough to determine the presence of asbestos-related illnesses. They must be combined with a complete history of the patient that includes the person's job, home, as well as the cultural context.

It is possible to find asbestos in a broad variety of building products and materials such as cement, flooring tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions and cladding. Asbestos can be difficult to spot because the fibers are small and light. They can easily float throughout the air and then inhale without anyone even noticing. They don't emit any distinct smells or odors.

You can take a tiny sample if you suspect that a material contains asbestos settlement. This should only be performed by a professional who is trained, as removing asbestos is very complex and requires specialized 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 is available on the NVLAP website.

Certain categories of people are more at risk of accidentally disturbing asbestos. Construction workers, plumbers, and electricians are all at risk of exposure to asbestos when they work on renovations or maintenance. Anyone working in these fields must take an asbestos awareness course to ensure that they are aware of the risks and know how to take the appropriate precautions.

Taking Samples

A sample of the suspected material is required for asbestos testing or inspection. The sample can be taken by an asbestos consultant or a homeowner. However it is crucial to take care not to create dust containing asbestos that is airborne during the collection and cleaning process. The person taking the sample will typically need a HEPA-filtered air vacuum cleaner and a spray bottle of water and disposable coveralls to provide protection. They must wear a respirator that complies with AS/NZS1716:2003 Respiratory protective devices while performing the task. It is best to conduct the sample collection on a not stormy day. Also, ensure that cooling or heating systems are off, since this will reduce the release of any asbestos-containing airborne particles.

When you collect the sample, ensure that the area is sealed off and that pets or children are not allowed to enter. Wet down the area to be sampled using the help of a damp rag. Then, wipe all tools and equipment that were used during the sampling process after it is completed. Place the cloth in a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste, and dispose of it in an asbestos disposal facility that is approved. Place the bag that you re-sealable with the sample in a separate plastic bag, and seal it all before marking it as asbestos waste. Clean the area with water to be cleaned again and place a plastic drop sheet over it to catch any fibres that escape.

Asbestos is typically removed using a pre-assembled pump as well as a cassette system. It is vital that the cassette does not get overloaded with dust, as this can obscure the fibers on the filter and cause an unintended bias in the outcome. If the sample is collected in an area with high levels of dust that is not fibrous, a smaller air volume can be employed.

The epidemiological studies found that asbestos fibres of short length can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. This proves that size is not the only factor that affects the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers. Other parameters such as chemical property, polarization and dispersion staining, as well as etching time are also involved.

Identifying Professionals

Asbestos fibers may become airborne when they are disturbed or dispersed. If inhaled, the microscopic fibers may cause lung diseases. These microscopic fibers can cause mesothelioma or asbestosis as well as other respiratory and neurological disorders. Many symptoms can be noticed within 20 to 50 years.

Undisturbed asbestos does not pose an health risk, however when materials like insulation, shingles, or flooring get damaged or wear out they could release harmful fibers. This could happen during a demolition or renovation project, as well as in normal home use or the aging process.

If you are planning to remodel your home, check with local officials from the environmental or health department to determine if your home has asbestos claim-containing materials. If asbestos-containing materials are found, have it inspected by an asbestos-certified inspector before you begin any work.

If you're planning to renovate an older house, ensure that any contractors you hire possess the right credentials. They must be able to provide an asbestos report and survey that contains an assessment of the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their brittleness. The report should include whether or whether the contractor will eliminate the ACM.

Minor repairs may be feasible on certain ACM however only a trained professional who knows the techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt these repairs. No matter what kind of repair is made it is essential that the area be sealed off from the rest of your home. All clothing and equipment should be placed into plastic bags and labeled with a warning to prevent cross-contamination.

Professionals can seal ACM or cover it to prevent fibers from being released into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) is also referred to as encapsulation, involves treating the material in a way that binds and covers the fibers so they don't become airborne. This can be done to insulated piping or to cover old shingles.

Professionals can also physically remove ACM from a structure. This process begins by wetting the materials in order that they can be cut or scraped with different tools, without releasing harmful fibers. They then place the material in durable, leak-proof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal.

Repairing or removing Asbestos

Asbestos is resistant against corrosion and heat. This makes it an ideal product for thousands of uses including wallboards insulation, fireproofing, and auto brakes. Asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause respiratory problems when fibers inhaled. In most cases, these fibers end up stuck in the lungs, and may cause tissue inflammation and scarring which can cause breathing problems and lead to serious health issues.

Asbestos is found in many parts of your home which includes roof shingles cement pipes and floor and ceiling tiles, and joint compound that contains asbestos. Check these areas for water damage or abrasions. If the material is only slightly damaged, it could be safe to touch or move. If the material needs to be repaired or replaced, or you are planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, you must consult an asbestos expert.

These experts can carry out an inspection visually as well as take samples. They can also offer suggestions on what adjustments are required and who is certified. You should only let these experts handle asbestos. Certain of these professionals have been trained specifically for specific products, and they're the only ones who must perform the corrective work on them.

It is also recommended to contact your local or State Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn about asbestos-related programs in your area. Be aware that there are firms that falsely claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These firms can be hazardous as they encourage unneeded removals or make them in a way that isn't properly done which increases the risk of the release of harmful fibers.

The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before you hire an asbestos professional it is essential to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to ensure it's accredited and insured. You can ask for references from previous clients as along with proof of insurance coverage and accreditation. It is also recommended to check with your state or local health and environmental authorities for the correct steps to follow if plan to remodel your home.