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How to Identify Asbestos

In the past century, asbestos was used in thousands of products to make them stronger, more fire-resistant and less costly. Exposure to asbestos fibers within the air can cause lung diseases like mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Certain diseases have a long time of latency. It's difficult to identify the presence of a problem until it is too far gone.

Asbestos Identification

Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that were once used in building materials since they are fire retardant and corrosion resistant, as well as insulate. Inhaling the microscopic fibers could pose health risks. This can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. These illnesses can take years or even decades to be diagnosed. They are often interpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is the reason it's so important for people to be aware of how to recognize asbestos.

Medical tests that check for lung diseases are the most commonly used method to determine if you have asbestos. These tests typically include a physical examination, chest X-rays and lung function tests. These tests are not enough to diagnose asbestos-related diseases. They must be combined with a comprehensive history of the patient that includes details about the patient's job, home, and the environment in which they live.

It's possible to detect asbestos in a vast range of building products and materials such as cement floor tiles, paints, adhesives, Artex, insulation, doors, partitions, and cladding. Asbestos can be difficult to spot because the fibers are so tiny and light. They are able to effortlessly glide through the air and breathe without anyone not even realizing. They don't have any distinct smells either.

You can collect a small sample if you suspect the substance you're looking at has asbestos. It is imperative that you only use a professional to remove asbestos, as it is a complex process and requires special equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis lab through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website provides the list of accredited laboratories.

Certain groups of people are more at risk of accidentally causing damage to asbestos. Plumbers, asbestos construction workers and electricians are at risk of exposure to asbestos during maintenance and renovations. Everyone who works in these fields should take an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the dangers and are aware of the appropriate precautions.

Take Samples

A sample of the suspected material is required to conduct asbestos testing or inspection. The sample can be collected by a qualified asbestos consultant or by the homeowner, however careful consideration should be taken to minimise the generation of dust that contains asbestos both when collecting the sample as well as when cleaning up after. The person who is taking the sample will typically need an air vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered as well as a spray bottle filled with water and disposable coveralls to provide protection. When performing the task, they should wear a respirator in accordance with AS/NZS1716 : 2003 Respiratory protective device. It is recommended to take samples on the day that isn't windy and turn off the cooling or heating system. This will reduce the airborne asbestos particles.

When you collect the sample, make sure that the area is fully closed off and that pets or children aren't allowed in. After the sample has been collected clean all tools and equipment with a damp cloth. Place the damp rag in a bag and label it as contaminated waste and dispose of it at an asbestos disposal facility that is approved. Place the resealable bag and the sample in a separate plastic bag, and seal it before labelling it as asbestos claim waste. Place a plastic dropsheet over the area that must be cleaned and then wet it down once more. This will catch any fibres that are released.

Asbestos samples are usually collected by using a pump or cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is important to ensure that the cassette does not get overloaded with dust. This can block out the fibres and alter the results. If the sample is being collected in an area with high amounts of dust that is not fibrous smaller volumes of air can be employed.

The epidemiological research found that asbestos fibres that are short can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. This shows that size isn't the only factor that influences asbestos litigation fibers' pathogenicity. Other factors like chemical property, polarization dispersion staining, as also the time required to etch are also a factor.

Identifying Professionals

When asbestos fibers are displaced or disturbed, they can become airborne. These microscopic fibers, when inhaled, may cause lung disease. These can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as other neurological and respiratory ailments. Many symptoms can be noticed within 20 to 50 years.

Unaltered asbestos is not an hazard to health, but when materials such as flooring, insulation and shingles are damaged, they could release harmful fibers. This can occur in the course of a renovation or demolition project or even during normal home use or as a result of aging.

If you're planning to remodel your home, you should ask your local health or asbestos environmental department whether the building is asbestos-free. If any material is found then it should be examined by an asbestos-certified inspector prior to any work being started.

If you're planning to renovate an older home, make sure that any contractors you hire have the proper credentials. They must be able to provide an asbestos report and survey which includes an assessment of the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their brittleness. The survey should also include whether the contractor plans to remove or leave the ACM intact.

Repairs of minor nature are possible on some ACM, but only a trained professional who knows the techniques for handling asbestos safely should attempt these repairs. Regardless of the type of repair, the affected area should be kept separate from the rest of the house and any contaminated equipment or clothing should be stored in plastic baggies and labeled with a warning in order to prevent cross-contamination.

Professionals can cover or seal ACM to prevent it from release of fibers into the air. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a substance that binds or coats fibers to prevent them from being airborne. This can be done to insulated pipe or to cover old shingles.

Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The materials are initially soaked to allow them to be cut with a variety of tools without releasing harmful fibers. Then they place the material in sturdy, leakproof, air-tight containers for safe disposal.

Removing or replacing Asbestos

Asbestos is abrasive to heat and corrosion which makes it an extremely useful component in thousands of products such as wallboard, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also a toxic material that can cause respiratory issues when the fibers are inhaled. These fibers can cause tissue inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This could impact breathing and cause serious health issues.

Asbestos can be found in numerous areas of a home, including roof shingles, cement pipes flooring and ceiling tiles, as well as joint compound that contains asbestos. Be sure to check these areas for water damage or abrasions. If the material is slightly damaged, it may be safe to touch or even disturb. If the material requires to be repaired or if you are planning to make changes to your home that could disturb it, you must consult with an asbestos professional.

These experts can conduct a visual inspection and take samples. They can also offer advice on what corrections are required and who's qualified. It is vital that you let experts handle your asbestos. Some of them are trained in specific products, and they're the only ones who should perform corrective work on them.

In addition to speaking with an asbestos-certified asbestos professional You should also contact your local or state health department or regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for more information on asbestos training programs in your region. Be wary of companies that claim to be experts in asbestos removal. These firms could be dangerous because they encourage unnecessary removals or conduct them improperly, increasing the danger of the release of harmful fibers.

The American Lung Association does NOT endorse these companies. Before you hire an asbestos professional it is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation of the company to ensure it's accredited and insured. You can also request references from previous clients, as and proof of insurance and accreditation. You should also inquire with your local or state health and environmental departments to determine the best guidelines to follow if you plan to remodel your home.